Lessons From Kalahari Ju/hoan Culture - Democracy, Childrearing, Education, and Community

Juǀ'hoansi have occupied the Kalahari Desert in Namibia, Africa for at least 35,000 years and possess the oldest human DNA. Their traditional educational practices are the oldest curricula human beings have. Juǀ'hoan collective decision-making processes epitomize direct, participatory democracy: one person/one vote, enhanced by in-depth negotiations that lead to consensus. These practices are the basis for their education and culture. For Juǀ'hoansi, child autonomy is paramount and for democracy to thrive, children require independence to make decisions through play-exploration to experience multiple possible outcomes. This book explores how this egalitarian culture became the foundation of an enduring democracy.

About the author

Melissa Heckler is a retired public school librarian from the United States. She serves on the NGO Committee on Children's Rights, NY and is an educational consultant and activist for the Kalahari Peoples' Fund since 1990.

Product details

• Authors: Melissa Heckler
• Publisher: BERGHAHN BOOKS, INC
• Languages: English
• Product format: Hardback
• Release: 01.08.2025
• EAN: 9781836950974
• ISBN: 978-1-83695-097-4
• No. of pages: 220
• Subjects: Social sciences, law, business > Ethnology > Ethnology; SOCIAL SCIENCE / Anthropology / Cultural & Social, SOCIAL SCIENCE / Indigenous Studies, Social & cultural anthropology, ethnography, Organization & management of education, Social and cultural anthropology, Educational systems and structures, Anthropology (General); Cultural Studies (General)