National Identity in Elementary Social Studies Textbooks

Preservation and reproduction of national identity is the most important role of formal education. The present study with the aim of analyzing this role investigates the concept of national identity in elementary social studies textbooks. In this regard, new textbooks for social studies in period of fundamental change are also evaluated. Research methods are quantitative and qualitative content analysis. The theme is the unit of analysis. In this research, dimensions of national identity include: symbols, values, heritage, celebrities, personalities and national events. The sample includes both third and sixth grade social studies textbooks and part of Civic education of the fourth and fifth grade social studies textbooks in 2013-2014. Quantitative analysis shows that 1171cases have been referred to national identity. Of this amount 50/81% (595 cases) belongs to the sixth grade social studies textbook. The dimension of national values with 45/94% (538 cases), has the largest diversity and national symbols with 7/17% (84 cases) has the lowest Diversity. More emphasis on the moral and religious, values disregarding to the contemporary characters in some aspects, a extension of time limit and etc, are Some results of qualitative analysis.