Policies of National Integration and Their Changes: From Comparative Analysis of Old and New School Textbook
摘要
This chapter examines the differences between old and new school textbooks and analyses the extent to which the national integration policies derived from them are supported by the public through opinion polls. The comparative analysis of the old and new textbooks reveals the followings: The old regime promoted national integration by emphasizing the need to defend the homeland with heroic leaders against threats. This was justified and symbolized by the pride of the nation as descendants of ancient civilizations. In contrast, the new regime seeks national integration by highlighting a new national history symbolized by “overcoming the old dictatorship and winning democracy and freedom.” Thus, as the core of “ethnie,” they combine the ancient civilization created by the old regime with the newly “invented” myth of the acquisition of democracy. This seemingly fragile national integration policy, however, is found to be considerably accepted among many people when confirmed through opinion polls. The chapter concludes that because the national integration policy reorganized as a result of conflict is accepted with a certain degree of support, everyday conflicts and disputes do not sever the connection as a nation.