title: Framework thinking, subject thinking and 'Taiwan-ness' in environmental education

authors: Yueh, Mei-Chun Michelle

subjects: Taiwan

abstract: In the 1998 Taiwanese national curriculum revision, environmental education was one of six new “Important Issues”. To some early observers, the generic “framework” sections of this 1998 curriculum (Aims, Goals, Core Competences) resonated well with the integrative and transdisciplinary nature of environmental education. This synergy held out promise for the successful introduction of environmental education to Taiwan, despite it not being one of the seven new Learning Areas (or subjects). However, this study suggests that a pervasive nation-wide exam-driven, subject-dominated educational climate resulted in a somewhat truncated “Taiwan-ness” in the environmental education that emerged. In three Junior High Schools preparing for curriculum implementation, there was little early focus on, either the national curriculum’s framework aspects or the intended integrative nature of environmental education. Rather, by 2004 curriculum integration had become officially non-compulsory, and environmental education was conceived as a minor priority, to be wedged where possible into spaces within the traditional subjects.

text: Framework thinking, subject thinking and 'Taiwan-ness' in environmental education In the 1998 Taiwanese national curriculum revision, environmental education was one of six new “Important Issues”. To some early observers, the generic “framework” sections of this 1998 curriculum (Aims, Goals, Core Competences) resonated well with the integrative and transdisciplinary nature of environmental education. This synergy held out promise for the successful introduction of environmental education to Taiwan, despite it not being one of the seven new Learning Areas (or subjects). However, this study suggests that a pervasive nation-wide exam-driven, subject-dominated educational climate resulted in a somewhat truncated “Taiwan-ness” in the environmental education that emerged. In three Junior High Schools preparing for curriculum implementation, there was little early focus on, either the national curriculum’s framework aspects or the intended integrative nature of environmental education. Rather, by 2004 curriculum integration had become officially non-compulsory, and environmental education was conceived as a minor priority, to be wedged where possible into spaces within the traditional subjects.

year: 2011

title: National identity and environmentalism: Why national narcissism might undermine pro-environmental efforts

authors: Cislak, Aleksandra

subjects: collective narcissism

abstract: The extant literature recognizes national identity as a pivotal factor motivating both individual and collective actions to tackle environmental problems. Yet, prior research shows mixed evidence for the relationship between national identity and environmentalism. Here, we propose a theoretical approach that articulates distinctions between different forms of national identity and their differential associations with environmental attitudes and behaviors. Specifically, we argue that it is key to differentiate national identification, which reflects a positive attachment to one's country and ties to other compatriots, from national narcissism, which reflects viewing one's country as exceptional and deserving of special treatment. In contrast to national identification, national narcissism is consistently associated with lower environmental concern and predicts support for anti-environmental policies. We show that this is likely due to national narcissism being linked to belief in climate-related conspiracy theories, support for policies that challenge external pressures yet present the nation in a positive light (e.g., greenwashing), and focusing on short-term benefits for the nation. Extending past individual-level findings, we report a pre-registered analysis across 56 countries examining whether national narcissism is also linked to objective indices of lower environmental protection at the country level of analysis. Results revealed a negative relationship between countries' environmental performance and country-level national narcissism (while adjusting for national identification and GDP per capita). We discuss the theoretical and practical implications of our approach and the country-level findings for advancing research in the field.

text: National identity and environmentalism: Why national narcissism might undermine pro-environmental efforts The extant literature recognizes national identity as a pivotal factor motivating both individual and collective actions to tackle environmental problems. Yet, prior research shows mixed evidence for the relationship between national identity and environmentalism. Here, we propose a theoretical approach that articulates distinctions between different forms of national identity and their differential associations with environmental attitudes and behaviors. Specifically, we argue that it is key to differentiate national identification, which reflects a positive attachment to one's country and ties to other compatriots, from national narcissism, which reflects viewing one's country as exceptional and deserving of special treatment. In contrast to national identification, national narcissism is consistently associated with lower environmental concern and predicts support for anti-environmental policies. We show that this is likely due to national narcissism being linked to belief in climate-related conspiracy theories, support for policies that challenge external pressures yet present the nation in a positive light (e.g., greenwashing), and focusing on short-term benefits for the nation. Extending past individual-level findings, we report a pre-registered analysis across 56 countries examining whether national narcissism is also linked to objective indices of lower environmental protection at the country level of analysis. Results revealed a negative relationship between countries' environmental performance and country-level national narcissism (while adjusting for national identification and GDP per capita). We discuss the theoretical and practical implications of our approach and the country-level findings for advancing research in the field.

year: 2024

title: The issues of the criminal justice system and of resources in Aotearoa/New Zealand

authors: Toki, Valmaine

abstract: Within the seven regions, recognized by the United Nations, various jurisdictions have acknowledged Indigenous rights within their respective constitutions. Although not explicit, some constitutional provisions, such as those included in the Norwegian Constitution, when read together with other articles, provide tentative opportunities for the implementation of an Indigenous legal system and an Indigenous court. Some Constitutions, such as that of Ecuador, are more explicit in providing constitutional recognition of an Indigenous legal system as well as rights to nature and, the interim Constitution of Nepal, courts for Indigenous Peoples.

text: The issues of the criminal justice system and of resources in Aotearoa/New Zealand Within the seven regions, recognized by the United Nations, various jurisdictions have acknowledged Indigenous rights within their respective constitutions. Although not explicit, some constitutional provisions, such as those included in the Norwegian Constitution, when read together with other articles, provide tentative opportunities for the implementation of an Indigenous legal system and an Indigenous court. Some Constitutions, such as that of Ecuador, are more explicit in providing constitutional recognition of an Indigenous legal system as well as rights to nature and, the interim Constitution of Nepal, courts for Indigenous Peoples.

year: 2014