The Eighth International Literacy & Education Research Network Conference on

SPETSES, GREECE
4-8 July 2001

Dr Jo Milne-Home

Lecturer, School of Lifelong Learning & Educational Change, University of Western Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Revisiting the Work of Vera Rubins and Marissa Zavalloni in Trinidad and Tobago: 30 Years on

Abstract

Vera Rubins and Marissa Zavalloni conducted a study in the 60s (prior to Independence) among adolescents in Trinidad & Tobago in the West Indies. "We Wish to be Looked Upon" examined adolescent aspirations and identity issues along the lines of career choice and expectations in the private sphere of family or community. The research emphasised the differences along lines of race and sex / or ethnicity and gender as well as socio-economic status. Much of the work concentrated on the policies and choices linked to the schools in the government and private sector with a clear link between school of attendance and expectations of success.

The study conducted in 1994 and revisited in the literature review to update the research findings has shown that there have been major changes in the way contemporary youth look ahead and position themselves in their national and community identity. This presentation will examined the changes that emerged as well as the different aspirations for youth resulting from interviews with secondary school principals and deputy principals of schools. Themes of gender and ethnicity were salient, but other themes were extremely important in the scheme of contemporary issues for secondary students. Caribbean students are much more aware of globalization and the impact that new technologies and communication are having on their economies and cultural identities. Their many voices have much in common about the role of education in development and maintenance of Caribbean Identity.

Presentation Type
30 min paper

Presentation Equipment Requirements
Powerpoint

Speaking Date/Time Restrictions

Country
Australia