Spiritual development as an educational goal

Abstract Purpose: In order to inform current international debates about educating for wholeness and purpose this article gives a critical analysis of spiritual development as a goal of state-funded schooling in England and Wales. Design/Approach/Methods: The analysis follows a history of ideas approach. Relevant texts are examined to understand how notions of “spiritual” and “development” were first combined and introduced into mass education, and how they have changed over time. Findings: The concept of spiritual development blends scientific conceptions of human development with a holistic, but ambiguous formative principle. This expedient, even paradoxical ideal, has resulted in confusion among practitioners, and allowed for some considerable shift in policy. Originality/Value: Spiritual development in the English context provides a paradigmatic case by which to explore the integration of formative goals in the curriculum. While in some respects the English tradition of spiritual development represents something of its time and its unique cultural context, its underlying assumptions resonate with renewed international interest for educating for meaning and purpose. Keywords: cultural, development, moral, social, spiritual, curriculu

A study of brain drain from the perspective of salvadorans living in Pamplona, Spain

This dissertation explores how 7 Salvadorans make the decision whether or not to go back to El Salvador, once they have had the experience of living in Pamplona, Spain. All of the participants have lived a disruption of their life in El Salvador when moving to Spain. Having experienced a different setting, they reflect on what the new situation offers in terms of quality of life, versus what they find in El Salvador. This interview study explores the factors they consider when making the decision of either becoming a returned migrant, or to be part of the brain drain phenomenon. Discussion is focused on emerging topics that apply specifically to the Salvadoran context, and how it is related to national policy that aims its improvement. The stories and considerations of the participants are important in terms of public policy, as governments of developing countries need to address the socioeconomic and psychological challenges faced by the potential return migrants, so that they become attractive enough to keep the new skilled citizens as part of their working force