ERIC Number: EJ1463645
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2025
Pages: 6
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0228-0671
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: 0000-00-00
Mathematics Education in the Shadow of Fascism
Constantinos Xenofontos
For the Learning of Mathematics, v45 n1 p20-25 2025
Building on Umberto Eco's concept of Ur-Fascism, this essay examines how authoritarian traits permeate mathematics education. Through a reflective analysis of my prior research within the context of Cyprus, I discuss troubling patterns of centralised control, rigid traditions, and hierarchical structures shaping the educational landscape. These patterns, often subtle yet pervasive, manifest in mathematics classroom practices and policies in ways that reinforce exclusionary norms. In closing, I advocate for a shift towards a critical, inclusive pedagogy that values autonomy, cultural responsiveness, and meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. I call on teachers, policymakers, and researchers to recognise, confront, and address authoritarian influences in school mathematics and beyond.
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Mathematics Education, Authoritarianism, Misinformation, Government School Relationship, Evidence Based Practice, Theory Practice Relationship, Decision Making, Professional Autonomy, Stereotypes
FLM Publishing Association. 382 Education South, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G5, Canada. e-mail: flm2@ualberta.ca; Web site: https://flm-journal.org/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Cyprus
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A