ABSTRACT
This chapter examines tensions between educating for nationalism and economic growth by focusing primarily on two countries—Indonesia and Singapore—while frequently referring to a third: the United States. Indonesia, the fourth largest education system in the world, is home to a diverse group of people. Growth in gross domestic product (GDP), 5.4" per year since 2000, has not changed the lives of most Indonesians: only 8" of the population have experienced economic status change during that interval. As is true for many nations, compulsory schooling is one of few social factors that Indonesian citizens have in common with one another. At present, Singapore is attempting to navigate nationalism and economic growth primarily through two educational strategies. First, the nation employs a bilingual policy that goes beyond simply tolerating different languages, and instead is more of a national ethos. Second, the nation emphasizes intercultural relationships through character and citizenship education.
