Comparative Connections: Educational History Within a Global Context: Presidential Address, Midwest History of Education Society Annual Meeting, October 27, 2006, Chicago, Illinois (Chapter 1) (Critical Essay‪)‬

While I prepared for this address and reflected upon my research and my split academic personality within the fields of history of education and comparative education, my reflecting pond could not help but be disturbed by the impacts of today's current events. As we conduct our research we are constantly being buffeted by these impact waves-outbreaks of violence in the Middle East, the continuing suffering of communities impacted by the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the ongoing wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. In addition, there are the ravages of world poverty, the depopulation of entire areas of Africa due to Aids, the proliferation of nuclear weapons, and the overwhelming evidence of environmental devastation. What, you might ask, does all of this have to do with educational history? Just as our historical subjects lived within complex contexts that must be uncovered in order to fully understand their realities, we, as researchers, are also living within complex times. As we move forward into the 21st century, the global context within which we work will intensify. History is a powerful tool to help us understand where we have been and where we are going. However, I would argue that a comparative theoretical framework is also necessary in today's world.