Accommodation Strategies in Education: Exploring Jesuit Textbook Publication in Modern Shanghai

Abstract

This study examines the Jesuits’ significant contributions to China’s modernization through their involvement in textbook publication. It analyzes a recently discovered historical Catalogus of 1934 written in Latin to uncover insights. Specifically, it explores how the Jesuit T`ou-sè-wè Press in Shanghai responded to changes in education, society, and the interplay of religious and political forces. By investigating the Jesuits’ strategic adaptations in their educational and cultural pursuits, revised compilation and publishing methods, and proactive engagement with the dynamic environment, this study aims to provide a deeper understanding of their approach. Additionally, it investigates the nuanced accommodation strategies employed by the T`ou-sè-wè Press to navigate the complex challenges of the era.