The implications of Lebanese cultural complexities for education

Abstract

The numerous cultures that exist in Lebanon are in constant conflict. This paper tries to identify the extent to which multiculturalism influences the Lebanese educational system. The paper tries to develop possible solutions to the educational problems created by a multicultural Lebanese society by comparing and contrasting western liberal-secular educational ideologies. The solutions arise from an examination of: (i) the influence of Lebanon’s politico-religious history on the national cultural identity; (ii) the infrastructure of Lebanese schools and universities; (iii) some politico-religious events in Lebanese educational institutions; and (iv) the multilingual society of Lebanon which manifests itself in patterns of social and academic behaviour.