Lessons from Kalahari Ju/’hoan Culture: Democracy, Childrearing, Education, and Community (1)

By: Melissa Heckler Heckler

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Synopsis: Juǀ’hoansi have occupied the Kalahari Desert in Namibia, Africa for at least 35,000 years and possess the oldest human DNA. Their traditional educational practices are the oldest curricula human beings have. Juǀ’hoan collective decision-making processes epitomize direct, participatory democracy: one person/one vote, enhanced by in-depth negotiations that lead to consensus. These practices are the basis for their education and culture. For Juǀ’hoansi, child autonomy is paramount and for democracy to thrive, children require independence to make decisions through play-exploration to experience multiple possible outcomes. This book explores how this egalitarian culture became the foundation of an enduring democracy.