Agustina Paglayan, a political scientist at UC San Diego and author of "Raised to Obey," delves into the dark origins of public education. She discusses how, over 200 years ago, governments prioritized social control over democratic ideals in shaping education systems. Paglayan critiques the traditional view of education's rise, revealing its ties to elite interests and responses to unrest. She also explores the inequalities intertwined with educational access and how modern reforms often reflect political ideologies rather than genuine progress.

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!

Agustina Paglayan, an Assistant Professor at UC San Diego and author of 'Raised to Obey', discusses the unsettling origins of mass education. She reveals that the push for universal primary education was less about literacy and more about controlling the 'savage' lower classes. Alongside Javier Mejia, an economist from Stanford, they explore the historical roots of compulsory education in Prussia and the dual nature of educational policies intended to instill obedience. The conversation critiques modern education systems for fostering conformity over creativity.