Abstract
Drawing on the author’s experience and research in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, this paper explores study abroad in a non-western country as a means to seek opportunities to examine one’s biases and beliefs (think critically) and learn about perspectives different from their own lived experi-ences by asking questions. The experience allowed the author to reflect on the importance of com-munity in Bishkek as opposed to American hyper-independence, as well as the widening political rift in the United States, instigated by a decline in face-to-face communication and empathy, and a lack of diverse opinions and disagreement in American society. Through limited survey and qual-itative data, this paper explores women’s freedom of career choice in Bishkek and challenges the American culture of consumerism by way of critical thinking. These concepts complicate Western ideals for feminism and market values, which may not be addressed typically due to the aforemen-tioned lack of dialog and healthy disagreement in American culture. The study provides ideas for reflection on the differences and similarities of gender roles and consumption under capitalism in Kyrgyzstan and the United States. In order to reflect on differences exemplified in this paper, critical thinking and curiosity must be revitalized in American society and education systems.
Recommended Citation
Schreiber, Sarah
(2025)
"Rethinking Education: A Lesson on Critical Thinking from a Non-Western Perspective,"
The Crown: Syracuse Honors Research Journal: Vol. 2, Article 8.
Available at:
https://surface.syr.edu/thecrown/vol2/iss1/8