Cultural hegemony in educational content: A comparative analysis of economic narratives in textbooks from Singapore and South Africa

This paper explores the influence of cultural hegemony on educational content by examining how global economic narratives are framed in textbooks from Singapore and South Africa. By comparing two distinct educational systems—Singapore's state-controlled, market-driven approach and South Africa's equity-focused, post-apartheid framework—this study investigates the extent to which textbooks perpetuate dominant economic ideologies such as neoliberalism and globalization. Using content analysis, the research identifies recurring themes, discourses, and omissions that shape students’ understanding of global economics. The findings underscore the role of educational materials in reinforcing or challenging socio-economic hierarchies, with implications for pedagogy, curriculum design, and global education reform.