Textbook Analysis Methodology

Based on page-by-page scrutiny of the books under study singling out each reference to the Other and to peace, be it in a form of text, photograph, illustration, map, chart or graph. Special attention was given to cases of non-reference, which are no less important in textbook research. The evaluation of the specific method of messages of each reference (or non-reference) was made according to UNESCO recommendations and principles. This way a clear picture had been drawn of the general attitude to the Other and to peace in this region.

George Eckert Institute  for international textbook research (GEI) on IMPACT-se research

IMPACT-se applies methodological standards which are based on UNESCO and UN declarations, and international recommendations and documents on education for peace and tolerance (see notes). Our methodology is designed to consider every detail within the textbooks; it does not paraphrase, rely on interpretations, or attempt to illustrate preconceived notions.

This is an updated, condensed version of the IMPACT-se standards for peace and tolerance in school education:

    1. RESPECT: The curriculum should promote tolerance, understanding and respect toward the “Other,” his or her culture, achievements, values and way of life.[1]
    2. INDIVIDUAL OTHER: The curriculum should foster personal attachment toward the “Other” as an individual, his or her desire to be familiar, loved and appreciated.[2]
    3. NO HATE: The curriculum should be free of wording, imagery and ideologies likely to create prejudices, misconceptions, stereotypes, misunderstandings, mistrust, racial hatred, religious bigotry and national hatred, as well as any other form of hatred or contempt for other groups or peoples.[3]
    4. NO INCITEMENT: The curriculum should be free of language, content, and imagery that disseminate ideas or theories which justify or promote acts and expressions of violence,incitement to violence, hostility, harm and hatred toward other national, ethnic, racial or religious groups.[4]
    1. PEACEMAKING: The curriculum should develop capabilities for non-violent conflict resolution and promote peace.[5]
    2. UNBIASED INFORMATION: Educational materials (textbooks, workbooks, teachers’ guides, maps, illustrations, aids) should be up-to-date, accurate, complete, balanced and unprejudiced, and use equal standards to promote mutual knowledge and understanding between different peoples.[6]
    3. GENDER IDENTITY AND REPRESENTATION: The curriculum should foster equality, mutual respect, and should aim for equal representation between individuals regardless of their gender identity. It should also refrain from language, content, and imagery that depicts limiting and/or exclusionary gender roles.[7]
    4. SEXUAL ORIENTATION: The curriculum should be free of language, content, and imagery that promulgates violence or discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.[8]
    5. SOUND PROSPERITY and COOPERATION: The curriculum should educate for sound and sustainable economic conduct and preservation of the environment for future generations. It should encourage regional and local cooperation to that effect.[9]

    [1] As defined in the Declaration of Principles on Tolerance Proclaimed and signed by Member States of UNESCO on November 16, 1995, Articles 1, 4.2. See also the UN Declaration on the Promotion among Youth of the Ideals of Peace, Mutual Respect and Understanding Between Peoples (1965), Principles I, III. Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948): Education shall be directed to the full development of human personality and to the strengthening of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. It shall promote understanding, tolerance and friendship among all nations, racial and religious groups and shall further the activities of the United Nations for the maintenance of peace. Based also on UN Security Council Resolution 2686 on “Tolerance and International Peace and Security” (unanimously adopted June 14, 2023), which urges Member States to promote tolerance and peaceful coexistence through education, consider inter-religious and intercultural dialogue as means of achieving it, and publicly condemn violence, hate speech and extremism to prevent the spread of intolerant ideology and incitement to hatred and discrimination based on race, sex, ethnicity or religion or belief (including Islamophobia, antisemitism or Christianophobia). See specifically Article 6: reaffirming States’ obligation to respect, promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms of all individuals.

    [2] The goal of education for peace is the development of universally recognized values in an individual, regardless of different socio-cultural contexts. See Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948)., Article 6. Note, on exchanges between youth, the UN Declaration on the Promotion among Youth of the Ideals of Peace, Mutual Respect and Understanding between Peoples (1965), Principles IV, V. See also UN Security Council Resolution 2686, Article 8: urging to instill the principles of tolerance and respect for others, and cultural diversity, and the freedom of religion or belief.

    [3] UN Declaration on the Promotion among Youth of the Ideals of Peace, Mutual Respect and Understanding between Peoples (1965)., and based on Articles III.6, IV.7 and VII.39; and on the Integrated Framework for Action on Education for Peace, Human Rights and Democracy, approved by the General Conference of UNESCO at its twenty-eighth session, Paris, November 1995, Article 18.2. See also UN Security Council Resolution 2686.

    [4] As defined in Article 4 of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD), adopted by the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2106 (XX) on December 21, 1965. See also Article 20 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), adopted by the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2200A (XXI) on December 16, 1966. See also UN Security Council Resolution 2686, Article 10 (condemning misinformation, disinformation and incitement to violence against United Nations peacekeeping operations intended to negatively affect their safety or their ability to implement their mandates).

    [5] Based on the Integrated Framework for Action on Education for Peace, Human Rights and Democracy, approved by the General Conference of UNESCO at its twenty-eighth session, Paris, November 1995, Article 9; and on the Declaration of Principles on Tolerance proclaimed and signed by member states of UNESCO on November 16, 1995, Article 5. See also UN Security Council Resolution 2686.

    [6] Based on UNESCO recommendation concerning education for international understanding, cooperation and peace and education relating to human rights and fundamental freedoms, adopted by the General Conference at its eighteenth session, Paris, November 19, 1974, Article V.14. See also UN Security Council Resolution 2686.

    [7] The preamble to the Declaration of Principles on Tolerance proclaimed and signed by member states of UNESCO on November 16, 1995, notes the Convention on the Elimination of Any Form of Discrimination against Women and emphasizes respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms for all, without distinction as to gender. See also UN Security Council Resolution 2686, Articles 1-2, 5, 8.

    [8] Based on Resolutions 32/2 (adopted June 30, 2016) and 17/19 (adopted July 14, 2011) of the UN Human Rights Council, and numerous UN General Assembly resolutions expressing concern and condemnation of laws and practices around the world which target individuals based on their gender identity and/or sexual orientation for discrimination, violence, and even extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions—all of which contradict the most basic principles of the UN and have no place in education. See also UN Security Council Resolution 2686, Article 8: helping to prevent sexual and gender-based violence.

    [9] Based on UNESCO recommendation concerning education for international understanding, cooperation and peace and education relating to human rights and fundamental freedoms, adopted by the General Conference at its eighteenth session, Paris, November 19, 1974, Articles III.6, and IV.7. On the imperative for developing “systematic and rational tolerance teaching methods that will address the cultural, social, economic, political and religious sources of intolerance,” see the Declaration of Principles on Tolerance proclaimed and signed by member states of UNESCO on November 16, 1995, Article 4.2. On education for international cooperation, see also the UN Declaration on the Promotion among Youth of the Ideals of Peace, Mutual Respect and Understanding between Peoples (1965), Principle II. See also UN Security Council Resolution 2686, Article 5 on women’s economic empowerment.

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