The Construction of the Science of Art Education Using Gift Exchange Systems Theory

Art Education Practice Has Three Strata; Gift Exchange, Mutual Response, and Pure Gift

Abstract

This paper aims to construct a science of art education using gift exchange systems theory, which aims to overcome the over-humanistic discourse on art education in Japan following World WarII. The author defines the science of art education as referring to interrelations between practices, reflective propositions, experience propositions, reflective studies, and empirical studies. The author reveals that art education practice consists of three strata; the formality of gift exchange, the practicality of mutual response, and the essential nature of pure gift. Finally, the maturation of art education and the path leading to empirical studies of art education are discussed.