Mathematics, Culture, and Authority
This article deals with the interaction between mathematics instruction on the one hand and established cultural patterns of belief, thinking and behaviour on the other hand, especially in Third World countries. The article points to the importance of culture in influencing the way people see things and understand concepts, and to the importance of using cultural and societal sources and personal experiences in making the teaching of mathematics more effective and more meaningful, as well as to the ways in which mathematics can be used to deal with some drawbacks in one' s own culture and society. In addition, the article points out the conflict that usually arises between existing authorities and the teaching of mathematics when the latter is taught in such a way as to enhance critical thinking, self expression, and cultural and social awareness. The region under consideration is the West Bank of Jordan (Eastern Palestine) where I spent my school years and over fifteen years as a mathematics teacher and educator.