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UNDERSTANDING THE ROLE OF CULTURE AND CULTURAL LITERACY IN POLICY DOCUMENTS OF LATVIA

Alina Romanovska, I. Kacane

Abstract

In the context of the global crisis (linked to rapid depletion of natural resources, climate change, polarisation of living standards, an increase in inequalities, etc.) experienced in the early 21st century, culture is considered a resource of unlimited sustainability potential. Therefore, the policy documents of Latvia state that the future of Latvia should be based on a core of values that do not require intense utilisation of physical resources. In such a situation, the value of human capital is at the forefront, highlighting creativity, openness to the innovations, tolerance, and cooperation that contribute not only to cultural development but also to cohesion of society, security, participation, and economic development. The objective of the research is to deliver a systematic analysis of official policies of Latvia related to the culture, cultural literacy and cultural literacy education. Particular attention in this research has been given to the topicality of these concepts in policy documents related to the target audience of young people. The article is aimed at offering a comprehensive understanding of how young people’s cultural literacy education is constituted and operationalised within official policy of Latvia, and to draw out strengths, weaknesses and tensions apparent with this. A systematic search for eligible sources examining cultural literacy education, defined as formal and informal education activities related to cultural identity, cultural practices and cultural heritage, was carried out by employing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework. Cultural literacy has been designated as strategically important for sustainable development in policy documents of Latvia. This reflects the country’s distinctive history. Following the restoration of independence in 1990, policy-making prioritised both the reconstruction and development of Latvian national identity and the preservation and development of Latvian cultural heritage. Our analysis indicates that the key areas of cultural literacy (in terms of the extent to which they are referred to in policy documents) are: the preservation of cultural heritage and national identity; and the use of the official language in both the public domain and informal interactions.

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