SAE3701
ASSIGNMENT 2 YEAR 2022
UNIQUE NUMBER: 779097
QUESTION 1
1. How did colonisation and missionary education change pre-colonial
societies?
Colonialism attempted to undermine traditional, indigenous/autochthonous social
structures. This was done through conquest and ideological control. There was an
emphasis on Christianity which undermined existing beliefs amongst indigenous
peoples. Schooling and literacy were encouraged: these were provided by
missionaries and church schools. Literacy was considered important so that children
could read the Bible. Mission schools often provided a workforce for capitalist, colonial
society.
2. What criticisms of mission education does Christie put forward? Discuss the
validity of her criticisms.
Christie argues that Mission schools’ taught discipline and the value of hard work
which meant that social class positions were often reproduced for example, working-
class children went into working class positions in the economy. Christie further argues
that these values helped to prepare black people to accept a subordinate position in
society by accepting rather than questioning colonization. Although some mission
schools were racially mixed there were segregationist practices in the schools,
especially in the boarding schools. Low levels of schooling were the norm. Learners
often went to primary school only and had 2 to 3 years of schooling. Missionary values
prepared people for subordinate roles in society and in the workforce. Some schools’
taught skills which were useful in the workplace such as wagon making and
ASSIGNMENT 2 YEAR 2022
UNIQUE NUMBER: 779097
QUESTION 1
1. How did colonisation and missionary education change pre-colonial
societies?
Colonialism attempted to undermine traditional, indigenous/autochthonous social
structures. This was done through conquest and ideological control. There was an
emphasis on Christianity which undermined existing beliefs amongst indigenous
peoples. Schooling and literacy were encouraged: these were provided by
missionaries and church schools. Literacy was considered important so that children
could read the Bible. Mission schools often provided a workforce for capitalist, colonial
society.
2. What criticisms of mission education does Christie put forward? Discuss the
validity of her criticisms.
Christie argues that Mission schools’ taught discipline and the value of hard work
which meant that social class positions were often reproduced for example, working-
class children went into working class positions in the economy. Christie further argues
that these values helped to prepare black people to accept a subordinate position in
society by accepting rather than questioning colonization. Although some mission
schools were racially mixed there were segregationist practices in the schools,
especially in the boarding schools. Low levels of schooling were the norm. Learners
often went to primary school only and had 2 to 3 years of schooling. Missionary values
prepared people for subordinate roles in society and in the workforce. Some schools’
taught skills which were useful in the workplace such as wagon making and
