Education in a Cosmopolitan Society: Curriculum Analysis Essay

This essay critically examines the principles of cosmopolitan education, focusing on the book 'I'm an Australian Too' by Mem Fox. The analysis explores how the book aligns with cosmopolitan ideals, emphasizing the importance of multiculturalism, inclusivity, and the recognition of diverse origins. The essay argues that 'I'm an Australian Too' effectively promotes cosmopolitan values by humanizing immigrants and refugees, fostering kindness, and advocating for new social formations that embrace diversity. The author concludes that the book successfully meets the demands of cosmopolitan education by addressing ethical issues, social formations, and political realignments, making it a valuable resource for schools. The essay highlights the book's message of welcoming people from diverse cultures and its focus on the inclusiveness of Australia, thereby satisfying the principles of universal political, cultural, and moral dispositions globally.

Running head: EDUCATION IN A COSMOPOLITAN SOCIETY 1
Education in a Cosmopolitan Society
Name
University

EDUCATION IN A COSMOPOLITAN SOCIETY 2
Education in a Cosmopolitan Society
Cosmopolitanism in education has in the recent years been defined in the dimensions of a moral
theory, political philosophy and cultural disposition (Rizvi, 2010). The new point of view is deep-
rooted on the fact that the world is becoming more interdependent and connected (Rizvi, 2006). This
will help to address most of our problems since most of them occur globally and thus require universal
solutions. This paper seeks to critically examine and analyze a specific curriculum document to
determine whether it meets the cosmopolitan principles of education. All discussions and conclusions
will be drawn from ‘I’m an Australian Too’ by Mem Fox.
‘I’m an Australian Too’ is a record of various stories of Australia and the origins of Australians,
their parents, their grandparents and their relatives. It is perfect portrait of the value of multiculturalism
and an exploration of the cultural assortment in the modern state. All the children speaking in the story
identify themselves as Australians, ‘I’m an Australian too (Mem, 2017).’ They are all Australians
regardless of whether their ancestors have lived in Australia for millions of years or themselves in
Australia some decades ago or even some hours ago. The book recognizes and validates the knowledge
of being aware of one’s origins (The Mummy Project, 2017). However, no origin depicted to be
superior to the others. Whether from Europe or Somalia, we are all equally Australians.
Whether one travels to Australia fleeing from conflicts, drought, and famine, seeking adventure or
finding a better life they all become Australians. Those who are yet to come to live in Australia but are
dreaming about it are also welcome, ‘We open doors for strangers….Where broken hearts are mend
(Mem, 2017).’
Ideally, Fox Mem seeks to humanize the refugee and the immigrant treatment which has no place in
the contemporary political migration debates (The Mummy Project, 2017). This is a great book which

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can help in mobilizing kids to grow into kind and hospitable adults. The encounter with this book at
either the lower or mid-primary grade will perfect the children's view to people of different religions,
cultures, and ancestry. I would strongly recommend the use of this book in schools as it recognizes the
demands of the cosmopolitan education needs.
The book is beautifully designed to address the contemporary ethical issues, social formations, and
political realignments. We ought to be kind and considerate to other peoples' needs. Mem stresses the
need to welcome people from the world's diverse cultures and allow them to be Australians just as we
are. New social formations must be established in order to meet the principles of cosmopolitan
education. As per the book, Australia is no longer divided by the boundaries of different social
subscriptions and ideologies. The diversities rather serve as unifiers resulting to a rich multicultural
heritage. The focus laid on the inclusiveness of Australia hurls a grand message of what it takes to be
an Australian. Being in Australia is all you require to be Australian. The book, therefore, satisfies the
principles of cosmopolitan education on the grounds of universal political cultural and moral
dispositions globally.

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References
Mem, F. (2017). I'm an Australian Too. Lindfield: Scholastic Australia .
Rizvi, F. (2010, July 16). Towards cosmopolitan learning. Retrieved September 21, 2017, from
Informa UK Limited :
http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/01596300903036863?
src=recsys&journalCode=cdis20
The Mummy Project. (2017, March 19). ‘I’m Australian Too’ Book Review. Retrieved
September 21, 2017, from The Mummy Project: http://themummyproject.com/im-
australian-too/