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Analysis of socio-cultural factors affecting the establishment of a cross-cultural Christian leadership education program in Mexico City
An educational program, or school is a social system defined by norms, values, status and goals (Banks & Banks, 1989). Analyzing socio-cultural factors affecting program development is a preliminary step to assisting in the establishment of a cross-cultural Christian leadership education program in Mexico City. Six categories of socio-cultural factors were derived. They are the following: 1) Community relations issues; 2) Sociological issues; 3) Educational process issues; 4) Attitudinal issues; 5) Administrative issues; and, 6) Mexican governmental and legal issues. Data from interviews and a resulting survey instrument distributed to 53 administrators, professors, students, lay persons and mission directors produced these selected findings and suggestions: Category I: Mexico City's evangelicals favor additional leadership program development. Problems of evangelical acceptance do exist. Category II: Ministry opportunities exist for men and for women. Educating higher SES groups may result in broader ministry opportunities than educating lower SES groups. Leadership education is expressed as the area of greatest ministry need. Category III: The educational program should adapt to Mexican preferred learning styles. Preferred teacher roles are: friendly research guides, not information providers who must discipline a lot. Preferred teaching methods are: student-active, not traditional methods: memorization, dictation and others. Students should acquire attitudinal and cognitive skills. Category IV: North American educators are accepted, but should learn Spanish well. Temperament and cultural differences exist between Mexicans and North Americans. Category V: A dormitory-style program may be beneficial: Mexican students may prefer relational learning styles. Location should be easily accessible by public transportation. Category VI: Mexican law permits, but restricts religious activity. Religious organizations may not own or administrate real estate. Ministers must be Mexican by birth, and forfeit certain civil and political rights