Bridging the Global and Local in Understanding Curricula Scripts: The Case of Environmental Education

Abstract

This article connects world culture and local culture literatures to enhance understanding of educational globalization. Specifically, I examine the worldwide expansion of environmental education organizations (EEOs), which are important catalysts in promoting environmental education. I use a mixed-methods research design: (a) multivariate analysis of quantitative data for 108 countries between 1977 and 2002 to model the expansion of EEOs and (b) a case study of Israel to examine implementation work of EEOs and governmental agencies. Findings indicate that the number of EEOs is associated with global processes, as suggested by the world culture approach. Implementation of environmental education, however, varies dramatically and is shaped by domestic forces, as suggested by the local culture approach. Implications of these patterns are discussed.