Secularization and Tradition In Four Arab Countries A Comparative Content Analysis of Reading Textbooks

Abstract

I. Introduction
The educational process is a combination of three important elements:
teacher, student, and communication. This study focused on the third element
in examining second grade reading textbooks in four Arab countries:
Jordan, Libya, Saudi Arabia, and Syria. Textbooks are not the only important
element in the communication dimension nor do texts provide the only
message students learn or the only influence in the educational process. Textbooks
have the advantage, however, of being subject to content analysis and
represent symbolic interaction as an effective means to translate the cultural
heritage of any nation.
Each country has its own books, and has its own methods to educate
youngsters consistent with broad goals and national needs. Religious education
in many Middle Eastern countries is a gradual and continuing process
which begins early in the educational life of the individual. Such education
is complete, comprehensive, and is intended even at the elementary level to
develop understanding of religious and social behavior.
Most of the content of books in Arab countries is prepared to reflect the
separated worlds of males and females, displaying the supreme societal,
religious, psychological, and physical power of men over women. Educational
leaders and decision makers, at least in the Middle East, seem to be effective
advocates of traditional values and are concerned with the positive impact
of the educational process. The primary aims of the educational system in ...