In this engaging discussion, Professor Agustina Paglayan, author of "Raised to Obey," critiques how mass primary education systems reinforce state authority over genuine learning. She probes the historical connections between education and societal order, highlighting the role of crises in shaping educational reforms. Key topics include the complexities of education's impact on national identity in Chile and Argentina, the late adoption of mass education in England, and the political dynamics driving educational policies. A thought-provoking exploration of education beyond mere obedience!
Education systems were originally designed to foster obedience and maintain social order, not to enhance critical thinking or genuine learning.
Historical context plays a crucial role in shaping educational reforms, often prioritizing state control over practical economic needs.
Addressing the learning crisis requires aligning educational reforms with political motivations, making it essential to engage stakeholders effectively.
Deep dives
The Disconnect in Education Systems
There is a significant disconnect between the level of education access in various countries and the actual skills students acquire. While many nations have made strides to increase educational access, performance in literacy, numeracy, and critical thinking remains disappointing. This phenomenon is termed the 'learning crisis,' which implies that simply providing access to education is insufficient for ensuring quality learning outcomes. Investigating this issue revealed that policymakers often assume a lack of good educational policies causes the incompetence, but political influences and historical contexts also play a crucial role.
Historical Roots of Educational Systems
The foundational goals of early educational systems were primarily to instill obedience rather than promote genuine learning. Politicians in the past designed these systems to reinforce social order and maintain the status quo, particularly in relation to state loyalty. This historical context sheds light on why contemporary education struggles with low learning outcomes, as many current systems are built upon outdated models focused on compliance instead of critical thinking or skill development. Analyzing debates from the creation period reveals that the emphasis was on political stability rather than educational effectiveness.
Methodologies in Understanding Educational Development
A systematic examination of public primary education includes analyzing the timing of foundational education laws and their alignment with various socio-political developments like democratization and industrialization. Case studies from countries like Prussia and Argentina highlight that the timing of educational reforms often precedes significant social changes rather than following them. For instance, Prussia established compulsory education in an agrarian context long before its industrialization. This suggests that the motivations behind these laws may have stemmed more from a need for social control than from practical economic needs.
Civil Conflicts Influencing Education Policy
Crises and internal conflicts have historically prompted elites to adopt educational reforms as mechanisms for social control. Political unrest often leads to a realization among ruling classes that existing methods of governance are failing, prompting them to explore institutional changes like education as a means of indoctrination. For example, during the July Monarchy in France, persistent riots after a revolutionary government led to an emphasis on moral education to curb dissent. Such scenarios illustrate how crises can catalyze a state's interest in tightly regulating education to ensure adherence to authority.
Politicians' Interests and Reforming Education
To effectively address the learning crisis, it is essential to understand politicians' motivations, which often diverge from genuine interest in children's welfare. Engaging politicians requires aligning educational reforms with their political ambitions rather than merely advocating for children's needs. For instance, in Argentina, the impetus for broadening educational content arose not from a desire to improve societal skills but from a political agenda to diminish the church's influence. By identifying windows of opportunity where educational reforms coincide with politicians' interests, stakeholders can better navigate the complex landscape of education policy.
Professor Agustina Paglayan has a fascinating new book: “Raised to Obey”!
She contends that mass primary education systems were primarily established to consolidate state authority and maintain social order.
But what about industrialisation, democratisation or the Protestant Reformation?
And why should education experts consider Political Economy?
Book: https://www.amazon.com/Raised-Obey-Education-Princeton-Economic/dp/069126127X/
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