Link to the University of Pittsburgh Homepage
Link to the University Library System Homepage Link to the Contact Us Form

Brotherhood and unity on the plains: nationalism and communism in the Vojvodina's education system (1960-1969)

Henry, Robert J. (2023) Brotherhood and unity on the plains: nationalism and communism in the Vojvodina's education system (1960-1969). Undergraduate Thesis, University of Pittsburgh. (Unpublished)

[img] PDF
Restricted to University of Pittsburgh users only until 25 April 2024.

Download (385kB) | Request a Copy

Abstract

The 1960’s marked a period of extensive political transformation for the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, including a significant decentralization of political power to its Republics, Autonomous Provinces, and local municipalities. Furthermore, this period saw the resurgence of national politics and national identity issues in the multiethnic federation. Examining the highly diverse Autonomous Province of Vojvodina, I argue that the newly-empowered regional leadership pursued a unique nationality policy in its education system which emphasized cross-national interconnection based on generating bilingualism throughout the population. By delegating education decisions to local municipalities, Vojvodina witnessed the growth of shared multinational schools with bilingual class instruction. This approach likewise allowed for schools which could best meet each diverse community’s linguistic needs and allow for more productive experimentation in multilingual teaching methods. Together with Hungary, Czechoslovakia, and Romania, the Vojvodina established an international textbook partnership which crossed the Iron Curtain. In conducting these policies, the Vojvodina’s approach to nationality in its education system stood as a significant break from previous socialist nationality models; particularly that of the Soviet Union. Rather than promoting reified and territorialized national groups, the Vojvodina built multilingual education institutions to foster a shared multiethnic community. Vojvodina’s nationality policy in its schools can provide a number of valuable lessons in building cross-national ties in contemporary multiethnic federations, such as the European Union.


Share

Citation/Export:
Social Networking:
Share |

Details

Item Type: University of Pittsburgh ETD
Status: Unpublished
Creators/Authors:
CreatorsEmailPitt UsernameORCID
Henry, Robert J.rjh118@pitt.eduRJH1180009-0005-9052-133X
ETD Committee:
TitleMemberEmail AddressPitt UsernameORCID
Thesis AdvisorThum, Gregorthum@pitt.edu
Committee CoChairPickett, Jamespickettj@pitt.edu
Committee MemberKlots, Alissaalissaklots@pitt.edu
Committee MemberZahra, Taratzahra@uchicago.edu
Date: 25 April 2023
Date Type: Publication
Defense Date: 5 April 2023
Approval Date: 25 April 2023
Submission Date: 21 April 2023
Access Restriction: 1 year -- Restrict access to University of Pittsburgh for a period of 1 year.
Number of Pages: 49
Institution: University of Pittsburgh
Schools and Programs: David C. Frederick Honors College
Degree: BPhil - Bachelor of Philosophy
Thesis Type: Undergraduate Thesis
Refereed: Yes
Uncontrolled Keywords: Vojvodina, Nationalism, Communism, Yugoslavia, Education, Textbooks, Multiethnic, Language
Date Deposited: 25 Apr 2023 18:23
Last Modified: 25 Apr 2023 18:23
URI: http://d-scholarship.pitt.edu/id/eprint/44661

Metrics

Monthly Views for the past 3 years

Plum Analytics


Actions (login required)

View Item View Item