What is the point of education? It improves democracy

In my previous article, I wrote about objectives of the DfE being based on neoliberal principles. Namely that the purpose of education is to create a workforce that serves the market forces. I argued that neoliberalism is fundamentally at odds with education as it relies on competition in a context where the ability to be genuinely competitive is a misnomer. 

There are consequences in having an education policy whose ultimate aim is to uphold and strengthen the economy. First, there is increasing inequality. Those who have access to more resources during their education (financial, parental, cultural…) have more opportunities in their careers post education than their counterparts and therefore access to higher wages. Haves: protectionist about their advantage (not paying fair share of taxes, send their children to private school because “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know…”)

Second, there is constant pressure on our general society to consume more as our value is demonstrated in our possessions rather than our character or what we contribute to our community. Material wealth is linked to social success. 

This increase in inequality creates and perpetuates the problem of communities that feel left behind. Generational, political, social, racial communities. Inequality creates division in society. It erodes the bonds that create social and community cohesion. I would argue it creates trauma too, I need to find some evidence to back that up.

Our political systems aren’t dealing with this inequality. Indeed we have the bizarre situation that our communities vote for policies and governments that have policies working against their interests. This is called democracy with no irony at all.

The American philosopher and educational reformer, John Dewey, said 100 years ago that Democracy is Education. What he means is one goal of education is to prepare young people to be ready to participate in democracy. This doesn’t mean going to vote when possible. It means participating in an equitable way, with agency and gravitas, in any group where a young person finds themselves. This could be at the dinner table, in a sports team, in a class setting, with a friendship group, and yes, online.

It means seriously listening with empathy to others in the group, being able to critically evaluate what is said. It means being able to express opinions tactfully, negotiate respectfully and maybe even change minds. It means being able to be challenged without feeling your personal values are being threatened or compromised. It means being open to the possibility of changing your own mind, without feeling like you have lost your sense of identity. It means, if you have a position of power because of your payscale, privilege or leadership, honestly representing the views of those in a group who have less agency; representing them with integrity, even if you don’t agree with them. 

This link between education and democracy promotes the idea of mutual learning where you learn from your peers, your fellows. Decision making is based on mutual engagement, requiring a willingness to see all points of view from those who have a stake in it. It fosters a sense of solidarity within the group, ensuring no segment feels marginalised. 

Democracy is education: this is not a new idea, but it feels radical and urgent in today’s world. It demands collaboration, not the spirit of competition required by neoliberalism. It works to promote an inclusive standpoint, and by definition it forces us to move towards a more equal society. It requires learners to develop the soft skills so necessary in life, it is appropriate for our move online. How much better would the quality of debate be in our online platforms if we had an education system built around this idea? 

This is a point of education that feels like the very opposite of what we have today. I talk about it more in my video below: