What is Ethnomathematics and Why does it Matter to Mathematics Education
The Talk
In the perception of mainstream mathematicians and the general public, mathematics is considered universal—its truths timeless, its nature absolute. But is mathematics truly the same across all cultures and communities? If it is indeed “out there” like celestial objects, shouldn’t all civilizations have discovered the same mathematics?
This talk challenges the assumption of a singular form of mathematics truth. It explores whether culture shapes mathematics, the legitimacy of knowledge systems outside formal education, and which forms of mathematics are granted the authority to validate others. Through this lens, the talk will examine the role of ethnomathematics in reshaping how we understand and teach mathematics.
Jayasree Subramanian
Jayasree Subramanian is an associate professor in the Department of Mathematics at SRM University, Andhra Pradesh. Her work focuses on critical mathematics education and the intersections of mathematics, social justice, and pedagogy. After her doctoral work in mathematics and postdoctoral fellowships at premier institutions such as ISI Kolkata and the Harish Chandra Research Institute Allahabad, she spent several years at the Eklavya Foundation designing alternative approaches to mathematics education. She has also served as associate professor at the School of Education, TISS Hyderabad.
