Education/Higher Education as a Commodity in Papua New Guinea - Some Conflicting Cross Cultural Perspectives

Overview & Synopsis

The study attempts to enquire into whether Papua New Guineans see education as a cargo cult, an investment or as an item for consumption. The definitions of cargo cult are examined as are the basic principles of the economics of education. The main discussion within the study is whether Papua New Guineans see education as a cargo cult, an investment or as an item for consumption? Some years ago European missionaries and settlers used to say that Papua New Guineans sought education simply as a "cargo cult", but the study indicates reasons for modifying this view. The histories of education and higher education in Papua New Guinea are briefly described, paying particular attention to the role of Goroka Teachers College in the area of secondary teacher education. The unequal distribution of resources between the constituent parts of the University of Papua New Guinea is also discussed. These conflicting cross-cultural perspectives are matters of concern. [This paper was published in: "Education/Higher Education as a Commodity in Papua New Guinea - Some Conflicting Cross Cultural Perspectives." Paper presented at ANZCIES Conference, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, 1-5 December 1986: Proceedings, pp. 406-418.]