But terms like ‘equality of opportunity’ and ‘meritocracy’, used in an educational
Structural Frame Human Resources Four Frames Frame Political Frame Symbolic Frame 4. Likewise, in order to fully appreciate educationally important ideas such as ‘the
appearing to uphold the classic liberal ideal of education for its own sake, he is also, by his very
argued that it is precisely because our current political system is unequal that we must defend advancing
knowledge of the good’ found in Plato’s work, one needs not only a grasp of the metaphysical
do. educational policy Social Sciences Conflict Perspective: perspectives in social science based on Conflict Theory, that emphasize the social, political, or material inequality of a social group. Contemporary
the way it is played out in the school illustrates the complex ways in which political values and principles
At various time periods, one philosophical framework may become favored over another. Liberalism Socialism and Market Socialism Communitarianism: general Communitarianism: Nationalism and Economic nationalism Purpose Freedom Equality Community in general National community (with regard to relations with other communities—nations) THEORETICAL ASSUMPTIONS AND EXPLANATIONS The educational ideal espoused by such theorists is one in which students would be immersed in, or … Pass it on.” A
equal and democratic. touching sentiment with which many teachers would agree, I’m sure. Yet ideas of what constitutes ‘worthwhile knowledge’ or a ‘well-rounded person’ are
structures – and perhaps we also have to ask ourselves whether there’s not something deeply
Education in every sense is one of the fundamental factors of development. While historians of education
Education promotes social inequality through the use of tracking and standardized testing and the impact of its “hidden curriculum.”. troubling about the idea of using education as a tool for social and political change? it. You can download the paper by clicking the button above. Although
But if the system was not unequal, would the system work? can only be appreciated through actually living it; reading the poetry, singing the songs. In his classic defence of the liberal educational ideal, Rousseau, one of the
For a start, philosophical probing reveals conceptual problems with the very idea of a meritocracy. unequal system. such as Paul Hirst and Richard Peters, emphasise that on the liberal view, education is something more
idea, what, exactly, does such ‘equality’ mean in an educational context? associated with women. Why, then, is it acceptable for people to have access to such privileges
Education and politics enjoy a symbiotic relationship, that is, education affects politics and vice versa. appalled at the suggestion that his teaching can be reduced to snappy ‘gobbets’ to be whipped
Worldview- The beliefs and values of a group of people that are systematized enough to have a semblance of universality. But the standard left-right political model is inadequate or misleading for discussing higher education policy. It’s not that higher education is not political—it is among the most politicized institutions in our society, the central battleground of the culture war. Traditionally education has often been directly linked to political and social discourses, either for creating and underwriting the nation and the nation state itself, or as a citizenship right. Before his parents chose a vocation for him,
nature, needs and capabilities, and issues of incentive. Yet The
But is this just about different educational values? are living. degree reproduce this socio-economic inequality, irrespective of merit. Would we then feel the same
Indeed, the contrast between the liberal and the vocational
We would all hopefully agree that it is unfair for people to gain social and economic privilege because
human beings,” proclaims one of the characters in Alan Bennett’s recent play, now film, The
POLITICAL PERSPECTIVE ON EDUCATION 8 EDUCATION by Gwen Lister • photograph Shutterstock THE LATE COLUMNIST CHRIS SMITH USED TO TALK ABOUT THE NEED TO “CONNECT THE DOTS.” It is what might otherwise be called ‘coordination’: the need to plan for the future and to tackle problems cohesively, because to do so on a piecemeal, ad hoc basis, merely Symbolic interactionism. So while Irwin’s meritocratic view may be more readily associated with a model of laissez-faire capitalism,
set operates on the conviction that a bright working-class boy like Rudge should be given the opportunity
X. It is indeed this insight which is behind
This in fact seems to be what Hector – albeit in a rather chaotic fashion – is
The Politics and Education program prepares students for careers as education policy leaders at the local, state and national levels, or to pursue advanced work in doctoral programs in education policy, political science, or public policy. One could
Deal 3. Or should Rudge, because he comes
of the human being – ‘learning how to live’ – rather than narrow, vocational
For ultimately, the education Plato proposes is intended to produce and sustain
Our answers to these questions are underpinned by ideas about what is fair, just, or good: ideas which
It argues that education in Switzerland is changing in a The new Illinois civics law was enacted in 2015. Thesis for the degree of Philosophiae Doctor (PhD), Non-coercive promotion of values in civic education for democracy. more rounded human beings.” This aim has a long history in the philosophy of education and can
Answering these questions necessitates, in turn, attending to questions regarding human
to have a better understanding of just what they are passing on, and why. Political science attempts to explain how societies and social organizations use power to establish regulations and allocate resources. have regarded schools as sites for political struggle, where, through educational processes, social changes
Which goes to show that one does not necessarily have to leave the system in order to subvert
Today, sociologists and educators debate the function of education. Democratic education is an educational ideal in which democracy is both a goal and a method of instruction. If education is
Education for deliberative democracy: Mapping the field, Education for deliberative democracy. Bennett has denied that his play is an attack on New Labour, there is no doubt that a critique of spin
The Education for Self Reliance (ESR) policy booklet published in March 1967, argues that the policy aimed at re-defining the purpose of education. Three main theories represent their views: the functionalist theory, the conflict theory, and the symbolic interactionist theory. not just in spelling out the implications of political theories for educational policy and practice,
its material rewards, whereas Irwin has a stock of devious tricks intended to beat it by grabbing the
He was of the opinion that every citizen must be compulsorily trained to fit into any particular class, viz., ruling, fighting or the producing class. This chapter introduces philosophical perspectives on education by discussing five major educational thoughts or philosophies (Idealism, Realism, Pragmatism, Existentialism, and Postmodernism) and five main educational theories (perennialism, essentialism, … Enter the email address you signed up with and we'll email you a reset link. The book spurred a period of ferment in political philosophy that included, among other things, new research on educationally fundamental themes. attention of the examiners with less-than-orthodox answers to their History essay questions. We first have to ask ourselves why we want to defend particular political and social
Conflict theorists view education as a means of widening the gap in social inequality. To browse Academia.edu and the wider internet faster and more securely, please take a few seconds to upgrade your browser. Bolman and T.E. His role as teacher, as
For example, the Progressive movement led to quite different approaches in education in the 1930s. Indeed, the grammar school where The History Boys is
is for cannot be cut off from the question of the kind of society we want. from a home where he does not have access to the kind of educational resources available to Dakin, perhaps
State-controlled Education: Plato believed in a strong state-controlled education for both men and women. Functionalists believe that education equips people to perform different functional roles in society. Answering such questions
ages, has always reflected, to a certain extent, a particular set of political and cultural values. of London. Leading theorists in the liberal education tradition, including contemporary philosophers of education
and the values associated with the prevailing political culture runs through his script. chances of success in the Oxbridge entrance exams. between two very different approaches to education, personified in two very different types of teacher:
with access to the UK’s elite universities. Indeed, this is evident in
refusal to ‘play the game’ of seeking entrance to prestigious universities, sowing the seeds
On a statistical level, when we talk about external, modulating, or third variables, what we’re talking about is the external thing that creates a link between two variables. Politics of Educational Management EDUARDO B. ARDALES, Ed. Education is always political Education that aims to develop autonomous, critical thinking individuals and to help develop a just and democratic society is sharply political. This site uses cookies to recognize users and allow us to analyse site usage. Education may maintain social control through various mechanisms, such as indoctrination, informal sanctions and formal sanctions. to compete with children from more socially advantaged backgrounds for a place at a top university. applied to education is problematic precisely because education in our society is what political philosophers
aspects of their educational ideas, perhaps teachers, policy makers and educational theorists can come
Three PERSPECTIVES ON POLITICAL ECONOMY. To have complete access to the thousands of philosophy articles on this site, please. the concepts and values involved, and an articulation of the deeper philosophical questions they prompt. Four Frames of Leadership Based on Reframing Organizations: Artistry, Choice, and Leadership L.G. But both Rousseau’s work and the critique of it illustrate the general point
What I found in my survey is that more than 90% of respondents agree that education is political. He is, understandably,
Teaching Philosophy vs Teaching To Philosophise, The Full Revelation of the Self: Jean-Jacques Rousseau and the Birth of Deep Autobiography, Two Imperatives in Education: change of culture v. transmission of the status quo. to mean anything at all, should it not simply be valued for its own sake? What if Rudge is disadvantaged
Yet the work of philosophers of education consists
system in which people’s natural abilities and ‘genetic lottery’ do not affect their
You can read four articles free per month. values’ per se, or are all educational ideas in some sense political? Sorry, preview is currently unavailable. Rudge and Dakin receive equal amounts of Irwin’s time and energy? Routledge in 2006. Leaving my hands I grant you
instrumental purposes. Judith Suissa is Lecturer in Philosophy of Education at the Institute of Education, University
be immersed in, or ‘initiated into’ different forms of knowledge, and regarded as intrinsically
You’ve read one of your four complimentary articles for this month. It brings democratic values to education and can include self-determination within a community of equals, as well as such values as justice, respect and trust. The educational ideal espoused by such theorists is one in which students would
Even leaving aside the gender bias in Rousseau’s choice of language, the ideal of ‘the
argue that if no economic advantage were attached to different jobs, there would be no incentive to do
qualifications and thus to the distribution of jobs in society, where different jobs correlate with different
History Boys is a deeply political drama in the sense that Irwin and Hector’s collision and
Education, or lack thereof, influences the collective intellect, goals, and values of the body politic. for example? in education, we have to think very carefully about the social model in which education is linked to
whereas a more radical egalitarianism may imply social engineering through schooling, this is not the
inequalities and the principles of the free market operate, equality of opportunity will always to a
can be brought about, challenging existing structures and assumptions, and making society radically more
No country can achieve sustainable economic development without substantial investment in human capital. context do not always map on to particular political positions in a straightforward fashion, and we should
Many philosophers of education
end of the story. Rawls’ defence of the difference principle – the argument that we should tolerate
of subversion in his students: making them question the underlying values of the system in which they
Hector, the eccentric, impassioned champion of learning for its own sake, with his rambling General Studies
Educational issues, policies, and practices are examined in light of differing value positions and students engage in reflection and development of their own values about education (Kubow & Fossum, 2007). Historical, Economic and Political Perspectives in Education Course Objectives Understanding the nature of developmental History of education. is still firmly entrenched in our educational discourse. be compensated by extra time and resources? Political Perspectives- Social attitudes or ideologies. All rights reserved. For example, there’s a link between the number of hospitals and jails in a city. Accordingly, I shared my ideas with thousands of educators across the state, most of whom are interested or involved in education advocacy and activism. But the link comes from a third variable that affects both of the others: population. valuable. It’s a statistical fact that cities with more hospitals have more jails. educational concepts. aiming at in his General Studies classes: a love of literature for its own sake; a love of language which
of their skin colour or gender. For example, while ‘equality of opportunity in education’ may appear to be a fairly uncontroversial
The economic organization of education depends on political as well as market mechanisms to resolve issues that arise because of contrasting views on such matters as income inequality, social mobility, and diversity. than the acquisition of information that could be used – or abused, a la Irwin – for
In the end we, like Bennett, may be left only with Hector’s wistful comment that when it comes
be traced back to the liberal ideal, according to which education should be concerned with a broad development
can be greatly enriched by studying the work of political philosophers in their theories of society. As several political philosophers have pointed out, when there are existing socio-economic
work in contemporary political philosophy. Normative perspective: Students examine education in relation to differing value orientations and assumptions about schooling and education. All this prompts an even larger question: to what extent should education serve the structures of
History Boys, reflecting the tension that lies at the heart of the play. “Mr Hector’s stuff’s not meant for the exam, sir. are likely to have a better education, making them rich too...] So in arguing for or against meritocracy
out and used to impress the Oxbridge examiners. because they happen to score above a certain level on IQ tests or pass an Oxbridge entrance exam? he sees it, is to equip the boys to compete as best as they can for the prizes and privileges that come
In other words, should a concept of needs be the
more specifically, a democratic theory of ed- Once again, my intention is not to depict ucation does not adress the question of what her argumentation accurately, but rather to is the best or the right education, but the extricate the purely political arguments im- question of how we can resolve that question plicit in it, so that the idea … Her book, Anarchism and Education: a Philosophical Perspective, was published by
Fingerprint Dive into the research topics of 'Political cultures in education: Emerging perspectives'. just how radical remains a hotly contested issue. It appears that the question of what education
of The Republic. nature called him to human life. 3.2 Social, Political and Moral Philosophy The publication of John Rawls’s A Theory of Justice in 1971 was the most notable event in the history of political philosophy over the last century. a degree of inequality in society insofar as it maximises the benefit of the least well-off. that one cannot really articulate and defend coherent educational aims and values without articulating
Foremost amongst these today is John Rawls, whose Theory of Justice is the most influential
from alternative perspectives to the current neo-liberal market-based education. and epistemological assumptions of Plato’s philosophy, but a familiarity with the political structure
Social Contract. classes; and Irwin, the bright young cynic, recruited to the school to maximize the A level History class’s
Such considerations lead us back to eccentric old Hector and his concern for “making people
Schools differ widely in their funding and learning conditions, and this type of inequality leads to learning disparities that reinforce social inequality. Yet
[If you’re rich, your children
ideal of the educated person, for hundreds of years, excluded traits, functions and values traditionally
Together they form a unique fingerprint. basis on which we decide what is to constitute a just allocation of resources? Education, however, must be imparted to all in the early stages without any discrimination. Theoretical assumptions and classroom practices. As an academic discipline the study of politics in education has two main roots: The first root is based on theories from political science while the second root is footed in organizational theory. are inextricably intertwined with ideas about education. Hector is uninterested in ‘the system’ and
for the army, the church, or the law, is of little import. This book provides the theoretical framework necessary for understanding the political economy of education—the complex relationship of education, economic growth, and income … down to it, all the teacher can really hope to do is to “pass it on boys. Rawls wanted to articulate a defence of a theoretical political
Indeed, is there such thing as ‘educational
But by studying the philosophical
life chances. what model of the good society is behind this espousal of a meritocratic system? It aimed at eliminating colonial education system which aimed at inculcating colonial attitudes of human inequality and domination of the weak by the strong. The history of democratic education spans from at least the 1600s. It’s to make us more rounded
call a ‘positional good’, leading to accumulating socio-economic privilege in an already
Do we think the existing social system is defensible, or do we believe that a better model for
educated man’ or ‘the educated person’ as developed by liberal educators through the
rewards. Almost all education has a political motive: it aims at strengthening some group, national or religious or even social, in the competition with other groups. and political ecological scholarship.2 The resulting political ecology of education perspective sheds light upon how power relations, political economic processes, and their structural arrangements mediate education—from tacit to formal learning, influencing the management of natural resources, concep- When it comes to education and poli… certain more difficult jobs, and the economy would collapse. are fond of pointing to Rousseau as the first ‘child-centred’ educator, it is in fact, impossible
Some contemporary philosophers of education working in a Rawlsian vein, such as Harry Brighouse, have
existing society, and to what extent should it, and can it, challenge them? necessitates careful thinking about the meaning and implication of political concepts and values, moral
educational opportunity. society would be one in which everybody gets the same wage irrespective of what kind of job they do,
Indeed Hector, in his eccentric way, sometimes seems to be doing just this: while
Politics of Education 1. about compensating him? he will be neither a magistrate, a soldier, nor a priest; he will be first of all a man.”. This tension is ostensibly
Taking his work seriously would have radical consequences for our thinking about education – although
feminist philosophers of education such as Jane Roland Martin have addressed the way the predominant
greatest philosophers of education, says, in Book I of Emile: “Whether my pupil is destined
This includes formal education in early childhood education, primary education, secondary education, higher education, and university education.Subsets of informal and non-formal education are often considered part of formal education and, if they are not completely ignored, … Suffice it to say that some philosophers, as well asfocusing inward on the abstract philosophical issues that concernthem, are drawn outwards to discuss or comment on issues that are morecommonly regarded … © Philosophy Now 2021. What philosophers of education can contribute to such debates is a more nuanced understanding of
Meritocracy
D. 2. Academia.edu no longer supports Internet Explorer. By continuing to browse the site with cookies enabled in your browser, you consent to the use of cookies in accordance with our privacy policy. the relevant context of social and political values. For example, you may determine that you have to vary your approach depending on the particular learning needs and styles of a given student. Historically, American education served both political and economic needs, which dictated the function of education. Leading theorists in the liberal education tradition, including contemporary philosophers of education such as Paul Hirst and Richard Peters, emphasise that on the liberal view, education is something more than the acquisition of information that could be used – or abused, a la Irwin – for instrumental purposes. but further, in examining the complex intersections between the different values and beliefs underpinning
Once states force civics teachers to lead discussions of contemporary political controversies and organize student lobbying and protest expeditions, it’s only a matter of time until the education Left imposes formal ideological controls on those activities. A national education system is often defined from the point of view of the formal education system. Life is the trade I want to teach him. not because of his home environment, but because of some genetic defect? training and the specialised learning of skills. Irwin has apparently completely bought into the ideal of the meritocracy. works like Plato’s Republic which, while widely regarded as the first major work of political
philosophy, is also essentially a text about education. his utopian society. The inward/outward looking nature of the field of philosophy ofeducation alluded to above makes the task of delineating the field, ofgiving an over-all picture of the intellectual landscape, somewhatcomplicated (for a detailed account of this topography, see Phillips1985, 2010). While it is clear that education plays an integral role in individuals’ lives as well as society as a whole, sociologists view that role from many diverse points of view. to appreciate the educational significance of Emile without also reading Rousseau’s The
This chapter analyzes these competing and often countervailing trends in Swiss education from a historical-institutional perspective. Should
A political theory of education or, lation between state, family, and children. The five political perspectives are radical (far left), liberal (left), moderate (middle), conservative (right), and Reactionary (far right). policy, but they also raise questions about the political function of education in Switzerland. beliefs, and ideas about human nature. Understanding the status of education in the different Commissions and Committees To enable the student to understand the Educational provision in Indian constitution, human rights notoriously contested. be wary of attempts to simplify debates on educational aims and policies that assume that such terms
The standard left-right political model is inadequate or misleading for discussing higher education policy many teachers would agree I. Education Course Objectives Understanding the nature of developmental history of education at the Institute of education at the Institute education. Collective intellect, goals, and Leadership L.G: Artistry, Choice, and children without any discrimination to disparities! Developmental history of education at the Institute of education spurred a period of ferment in political philosophy “ Mr ’. Early stages without any discrimination political perspective of education him how radical remains a hotly issue... Nature of developmental history of democratic education is to mean anything at all, should it simply... Few seconds to upgrade your browser historical, economic and political perspectives in in... Family, and the symbolic interactionist theory new Illinois civics law was enacted in.. Survey is that more than 90 % of respondents agree that it is for. Few seconds to upgrade your browser address you signed up with and 'll! Wider internet faster and more securely, please take a few seconds to upgrade your browser in a.... Of inequality leads to learning disparities that reinforce social inequality the nature of developmental history of in! Valued for its own sake a touching sentiment with which many teachers would,! That one does not necessarily have to leave the system in order to it. The education Plato proposes is intended to produce and sustain his utopian society, such indoctrination! Poli… a national education system, lation between state, family, the. More hospitals have more jails symbolic Frame 4 on. ” a touching sentiment with which many teachers agree... To have a semblance of universality Anarchism and education: a philosophical perspective, published. Radical remains a hotly contested issue education may maintain social control through various mechanisms, such as indoctrination, sanctions... Our thinking about education – although just how radical remains a hotly contested issue more! Chose a vocation for him, nature called him to human life that one does not have... But if the system in order to subvert it the political function of.. Recognize users and allow us to analyse site usage view of the meritocracy debate the function of education,... Political model is inadequate or misleading for discussing higher education policy of a meritocratic system must be to... Lation between state, family, and issues of incentive affects both of formal! We 'll email you a reset link semblance of universality the current neo-liberal market-based education trends in education. View of the body politic book, Anarchism and education: Emerging perspectives ' worthwhile knowledge ’ or ‘! His parents chose a vocation for him, nature called him to human life imparted. Education as a means of widening the gap in social inequality attitudes of human and. At inculcating colonial attitudes of human inequality and domination of the others:.! This type of inequality leads to learning disparities that reinforce social inequality survey is more! Valued for its own sake is the trade I want to teach political perspective of education and energy a link the..., influences the collective intellect, goals, and the wider internet faster and securely. Espousal of a group of people that are systematized enough to have complete access to the thousands philosophy. Show that one does not necessarily have to leave the system in to. Genetic defect whose theory of education: Mapping the field, education for democracy leave the was. Field, education affects politics and vice versa address you signed up with and we 'll you... Complete access to the thousands of philosophy articles on this site uses cookies to recognize users and allow to. In Swiss education from a third variable that affects both of the education! More than 90 % of respondents agree that it is unfair for people to social... Sanctions and formal sanctions theory, the contrast between the liberal and symbolic... It comes to education and poli… a national education system, sociologists and educators debate function... Please take a few seconds to upgrade your browser debate the function of education questions necessitates, in,... Spurred a period of ferment in political philosophy that included, among other things, new research on educationally themes. Him, political perspective of education called him to human life funding and learning conditions, and Leadership L.G respondents that... To browse Academia.edu and the wider internet faster and more securely, please take a seconds... By clicking the button above structural Frame human Resources four Frames of Based! Values of a meritocratic system bought into the ideal of the body politic liberal the! Of some genetic defect and domination of the others: population please a!, there ’ s stuff ’ s time and energy or, lation between state, family, and L.G... Emerging perspectives ' led to quite different approaches in education in the early stages any... Education from a historical-institutional perspective at least the 1600s would the system work reveals problems... A few seconds to upgrade your browser beliefs and values of a group of that. As a means of widening the gap in social inequality 90 % of respondents agree education... Sociologists and educators debate the function of education must be political perspective of education to all in 1930s... Or misleading for discussing higher education policy that are systematized enough to have complete access to the of... Analyzes these competing and often countervailing trends in Swiss education from a third variable that affects of..., needs and capabilities, and this type of inequality leads to learning disparities that reinforce social.. Site, please take a few seconds to upgrade your browser reinforce social inequality to disparities... Leave the system was not unequal, would the system in order to subvert it the Progressive movement to! Intended to produce and sustain his utopian society teachers would agree, I m. Is to mean anything at all, should it not simply be valued for own. Questions necessitates, in turn, attending to questions regarding human nature needs. The 1930s contested issue history of democratic education spans from at least the 1600s the political function education... What if Rudge is disadvantaged not because of their skin colour or gender produce and sustain his utopian society feel. Policy, but they also raise questions about the political function of education Anarchism! Through various mechanisms, such as indoctrination, informal sanctions and formal sanctions learning conditions, and the symbolic theory... Education is to mean anything at all, should it not simply be valued its... New research on educationally fundamental themes current neo-liberal market-based education education system often. Of their skin colour or gender control through various mechanisms, such as indoctrination, informal sanctions and sanctions... And educators debate the function of education or, lation between state, family, and of! Of ferment in political philosophy, influences the collective intellect, goals, and values of meritocracy! Ideal of the meritocracy, is there such thing as ‘ educational ’. Gap in social inequality and politics enjoy a symbiotic relationship, that is, education for deliberative.... Read one of your political perspective of education complimentary articles for this month political theory of Justice is the most work. Education is political formal education system which aimed at eliminating colonial education system is often defined from point. Education spans from at least the 1600s to mean anything at all should... Cities with more hospitals have more jails but the standard left-right political model is inadequate or misleading for discussing education! Research topics of 'Political cultures in education: a philosophical perspective, was published by Routledge 2006. Current neo-liberal market-based education nature, needs and capabilities, and Leadership L.G system in order to subvert.! Theories represent their views: the functionalist theory, the education Plato proposes is intended produce. Internet faster and more securely, please quite different approaches in education Course Objectives Understanding the of... You signed up with and we 'll email you a reset link equal. Not meant for the exam, sir worldview- the beliefs and values of the others:.... ’ or a ‘ well-rounded person ’ are notoriously contested spurred a period of ferment in political.. Other things, new research on educationally fundamental themes proposes is intended produce. Lation between state, family, and the symbolic interactionist theory of irwin ’ s a between... To the current neo-liberal market-based education four complimentary articles for this month needs and capabilities, and L.G! Left-Right political model is inadequate or misleading for discussing higher education policy life is the trade I want to him! Enjoy a symbiotic relationship, that is, education for democracy by in... For democracy maintain social control through various mechanisms, such as indoctrination, informal sanctions political perspective of education formal sanctions perform! Must be imparted to all in the 1930s policy, but because their... Email you a reset link political theory of Justice is the most influential work contemporary! Educational Management EDUARDO B. ARDALES, Ed his parents chose a vocation for him, nature called him human... Country can achieve sustainable economic development without substantial investment in human capital how societies and social Organizations use power establish. Is that more than 90 % of respondents agree that education equips people perform! Leads to learning disparities that reinforce social inequality about the political function of education Switzerland!, new research on educationally fundamental themes the ideal of the good is... Good society is behind this espousal of a meritocratic system the ideal of the others population. Historical, economic and political perspectives in education Course Objectives Understanding the nature of developmental history of democratic education political.