Education and state

The education system of any country is a reflection of its existing political system. The institution of education is closely related to the state. The type of education being imparted depends on the nature of the government or political party because each brings to the forefront its own agenda which it plans to implement.

For instance, a government revolving around a single person i.e. dictator or a monarch will implement a particular education system to suit his needs. The motto of his education system will be ‘self-sacrifice, discipline and duty. The ultimate aim of his education system will be to strengthen his own position and elevate his status. Educational institutions will be a mere tool in the hands of such a government. The curriculum will be designed to suit his needs. Teachers, themselves will be dictated by their authorities. Textbooks will be redesigned accordingly. Attempts would be made to crush initiative, criticism and creativity. In short, everything will serve his glory. Education will be not for the individual.

If the government revolves around a group of people i.e. aristocracy or govt. of the elite, then usually their education system serves to accentuate their excellence. A prominent feature of this education system is the neglect of the masses. The masses are deprived of even basic education let alone higher education. This education system only favours the elite and well-to-do classes. The elite group, first, deprive the masses of educational facilities and then argue that the masses are not capable of getting educated as they haven’t proved themselves. In both cases, the individual is a means to an end which is the glory of the state.

The third type of government is democracy. In a democracy, there are equal educational opportunities for everyone. Education here is not like a straitjacket which is to be fitted upon everyone irrespective of their diverse aptitudes. Everyone gets a chance to elevate themselves. There is scope for positive criticism, initiative as well as creativity. The ultimate aim of education in a democracy is the development of one’s individuality. So, in this system of government, the means and ends of education are flexible so they could be adjusted according to the changing needs. Nevertheless, this system hasn’t escaped from criticism. It is said that too much emphasis on individualism and freedom gives way to cut-throat competition and self-interest. The majority rule may also come to the limelight blocking the rights of minorities.

What is State?

“A state is an organized civil government which exercises its political authority in maintaining law and order, administering justice, preserving public health and regulating human activities.”

The state comprises the whole population and institutions.

Relation with Education

Two viewpoints indicate the state’s relation to education.

1)    Laissez-Faire

This theory indicates that the state should not interfere in educational matters. The institution of state and education should be exclusive. Education should be a matter of family or religious institutions. They should be responsible for it. By interfering in it, the state destroys the rights of parents whose primary duty is to cater to their responsibility towards their children. A drawback of Laissez-faire theory is that if institutions are completely left alone, then low standards and values will develop in society. The limitations of this theory give rise to the socialist theory.

2)    Socialist

This idea argues that educational institutions cannot be left alone. Interference of state is a must. According to this theory, the state interferes in various spheres of life. It controls various aspects of human life and the very same happens with educational institutions! Education is a long-term investment that the state has to look after.

 

A controversial Question

Keeping these two theories in mind, the question of whether education should be completely or partially controlled by the state is a controversial one. The answer to this one is that neither complete socialization nor complete laissez-faire is desirable. Since the aim of education is the development of one’s personality, the state, school as well as a family should join hands to fulfil this purpose. After all, progressive society is created when individuals are developed.

The function of the state is to protect and promote the rights of its subjects- and not to absorb or replace family/individual. In short, the state should take control but at the same time give due liberties.

 

Taking of administration, this depends on the type of state-its ideology. A totalitarian state having a monistic ideology adopts centralization as its education policy. On the other hand, decentralization of education policy is the feature of a democratic state where the people in charge of education have freedom for initiative and creativity.

 

A national state

What is a national state? A national state binds people together into a sense of a corporate life where there is the unity of interests in all matters- geographical, linguistic, and political. They possess a feeling of commonality. It is more than just a state that comprises population and institutions. The people advocate a sense of common glory or defeat. The development of individuals is a means to attain nationalism. Again, the individual is for the nation. He is made submissive and has o free personality. He believes in the superiority of his nation over others.

Here, education becomes anti-democratic.

 

Solution

Education on democratic lines would be cosmopolitan. Such education is inter-nationalistic besides being nationalistic. This means that it is not only connected with the society it serves but is related to the super society, world and humanity. The word cosmopolitanism is similar to globalization which comprises all the means to turn the world into a global village. It is a broad-minded response from people when faced with the realities of globalization and cultural differences.  Cosmopolitan attitude means learning to learn from others which is a more enriching experience as compared to merely ‘tolerating others.’ Cosmopolitan education produces loyalty not only to the state but also to the world.