Hearts and Minds - by Maboud Ansari & Vincent N Parrillo (Paperback)

About the Book

This book is a comparative, qualitative research study of an educational phenomenon still functioning worldwide: Hizmet. Dr. Parrillo and Dr. Ansari present a cross-cultural study of Hizmet schools in seven countries of varying histories and ethnic compositions.

Book Synopsis

This book is a comparative, qualitative research study of an educational phenomenon still functioning worldwide: Hizmet. Dr. Parrillo and Dr. Ansari present a cross-cultural study of Hizmet schools in seven countries of varying histories and ethnic compositions. Some are fairly homogeneous, while others are longstanding multicultural, multiracial societies. Some have Muslim-majority populations, others a small Muslim minority. Through hundreds of interviews with students, parents, staff, and financial supporters, the authors explored individual perceptions and experiences, as well as the triad of student/parent/school interaction. Analyzing the commonality of the schools' structures and processes in different settings, they offer their insights about the schools' success in achieving their twin goals of offering a quality education and promoting interethnic harmony.

Review Quotes

"After the Velvet Revolution in 1989, Vince Parrillo was a very important voice from the free world. His words, both spoken and written have made a great impact on our social thinking and continue to do so. Professor Parrillo has proved to be one of the truly sound voices of the very dramatic, if not disturbing, state of affairs in the world today - always scholarly qualified, daring and brave, as the manuscript Hearts and Minds again confirms." Josef Jarab, Professor, Palacký University, Olomouc, Czechia University Rector Emeritus, former Czech Senator--Josef Jarab

"Vince Parrillo and co-author Maboud Ansari present a compelling and rich qualitative, cross-cultural, and comparative examination of Gülen pedagogical philosophy, which is at the heart of Hizmet schools found around the world. The authors poignantly document how the role of teachers, the curriculum, and cultural values aligned with Islamic teachings produce change agents committed to a lifetime of service and social betterment for all. Their work is elaborately documented and rendered in a manner that drives the reader to consider how Gülen philosophy can be applied to any society seeking moral repair and advancement for all." H. Mark Ellis, Professor of Sociology and Criminal Justice, William Paterson University, United States--H. Mark Ellis, "...elaborately documented and rendered in a manner that drives the reader to consider how Gülen philosophy can be applied to any society seeking moral repair and advancement for all."

"Vincent Parrillo stands out as a soundly scientific scholar who is keenly aware of moral matters. In Hearts and Minds, he and Maboud Ansari offer a skillful analysis of a schooling model, operating in many nations, which seeks to promote the same fusion of scientific skills with compassionate humanity. The authors tell an engaging story that offers important lessons for a troubled world." John J. Macionis, Professor Emeritus, Kenyon College, USA Prentice Hall Distinguished Scholar--John J. Macionis, "... a skillful analysis of a schooling model that offers important lessons for a troubled world."

"Vince Parrillo has been internationally known for many years as an important American voice in the field of Ethnic and Migration Studies. With this book, written with Maboud Ansari, he provides a comparative study of the Hizmet school networks in different countries. It is a valuable contribution to academic and political debates on interethnic relations and religious transnationalism." Marco Martiniello, Research Director FRS_FNRS, Liège University, Belgium--Marco Martiniello, "... a valuable contribution to academic and political debates on interethnic relations and religious transnationalism."

About the Author

Vincent N. Parrillo, Professor Emeritus at William Paterson University, is author of a dozen books, a past Fulbright recipient, producer of six award-winning PBS documentaries, and a past vice president of the Eastern Sociological Society.

Maboud Ansari is also a past Fulbright recipient and Professor Emeritus at William Paterson University. He authored The Making of the Iranian Community in America and The Iranian Americans.