WorldViews. The World in Textbooks

Source

Bibliographic data

Barrett, Jeanne; Richardson, Fiona: Impact!, Civic, Social and Political Education for Junior Certificate. Dublin: Gill and Macmillan ltd., 5th ed. [5. Aufl.], 2010 [1998], 155, 156, 160.

"Ireland and the Wider World"

The quotations are taken from a chapter about Ireland and the wider world in a textbook for social and civic education. The influence of globalisation on everyday living is touched upon as well as Ireland’s connections to the wider world and its engagement in international organisations. In the texts the concept of the Irish citizen and the global citizen is raised and it is illustrated that impact can be made on the national and the global level. Two Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) are asked about their definition of national and European citizenship.

Barrett, Jeanne

Richardson, Fiona

For Community schools and lower secondary education for the preparation of the CSPE Junior Certificate at the age of 15/16.

Gill and Macmillan ltd.

[p. 155]

Ireland and the Wider World

In Chapter 4 you saw how as citizens of Ireland we take part in and influence what happens at the national level. As citizens of Ireland we are also members of international groups such as the European Union (EU) and the United Nations (UN). As a member of international organisations, Ireland takes part in, influences and is affected by what happens in the wider world. As a global citizen , a member of the world community, each of us can influence what happens outside Ireland . As global citizens we also have certain rights and responsibilities that go beyond our local and national communities.

[p. 156]

CONNECTED

We do not have to look very far to see some of our connections with the wider world. Think about the food you eat and where it comes from. The cereals you eat were probably grown in the United States, your jam might have come from Belgium, your fruit from Latin America and your tea from India. The T-shirts you wear may have been made in Bangladesh and the jeans in America. Some of the clothes we wear do not carry a label stating the country of origin because they are made for large chain stores in Europe. From the moment you wake up in the morning you rely on and are linked to the wider world.

[...]

[depiction of a woman getting out of bed]

[depiction of a girl dressed in a school uniform]

[depiction of a woman at a desk]

[p. 160]

[...]

MEPs Have their Say

IMPACT MESSENGER

[depiction of a chat window]

[Student:] Would you describe yourself as an Irish citizen or a European citizen?

Proinsias De Rossa MEP: I have a two-sided citizenship. I am a citizen of Ireland and of the European Union. Each 'side' of my citizenship is linked to the other and each one gives me rights and responsibilities.

Mairead McGuinness MEP: I am both! I consider myself to be an Irish citizen, but also to be a European citizen. It is possible to have multiple loyalties. For example, I was born in Ardee, Co. Louth, but now live in Co. Meath - however, I regard myself as being from Co. Louth, but being very much part of Co. Meath, too.
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