Education Should be Formal and Informal to Improve as a Society

1450 Words3 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: What is important of education

Societies can vary far and wide, but they all do have one thing in common – existence through the process of transmission (Dewey, Ch. 1, ¶7). In order for society to thrive, the younger generations depend on the old to guide their way, instilling in them the habits, knowledge, and customs that are imperative to keep the society alive. It is through the continuous renewal of the social group that allows a society to progress. This renewal does not generally refer to life and death; rather, “Education, in its broadest sense, is the means of this social continuity of life (Dewey, Dem & Edu, Ch. 1, ¶5).” A good society benefits from the transmission of knowledge which is acquired through education, both formal and informal, and thus allows the individuals to share beliefs while simultaneously considering opposing views. Taken as a whole, this is the foundation upon which Dewey believes society is most sustainable. Although I agree with Dewey on his views of society, I believe his argument to be somewhat flawed. The transmission of knowledge from old to young is a good starting point; however, I believe formal education fares far more value then Dewey credits it.

Growing up in a society where individualism trumps socialism, it may seem unfathomable that this society will ever see eye to eye. However, according to Dewey, “Only by being true to the full growth of all the individuals who make it up, can society by any chance be true to itself (Dewey, School & Society, Ch. 1, ¶1). In other words, it appears that individualism does have its place in society. If everyone shared the same beliefs, then this would inherently stunt the growth of society. Challenging different viewpoints allows society to experience growth in ways which are...

... middle of paper ...

...rit through their formal and informal educatiors provides them with a well-rounded approach to have what it takes to mold and prosper a good society.

Works Cited

Dewey, John. Democracy and Education. Archive.org. New York: The Macmillian Company,

1930. Web. 01 Apr. 2014. .

Dewey, John. The School and Society. Archive.org. Chicago : The University of Chicago

Press; New York, McClure, Phillips & Company, 1900. Web. 01 Apr. 2014.

.

Strauss, Valerie. "Eight Problems with Common Core Standards." Washington Post. The

Washington Post, 21 Aug. 2012. Web. 01 Apr. 2014.

common-core-standards/2012/08/21/821b300a-e4e7-11e1-8f62-

58260e3940a0_blog.html>.

Show More
Related

  • Harrison Bergeron Conformity

    669 Words  | 2 Pages

    The world is divided up into numerous things: Countries, states, cities, communities, etc. However, when looking at the big scope of things, one can group the vast amount of people into a society. This society is where the majority lie in the scheme of things - in other words, the common people. Individuals do exist in this society, but they are scarce in a world of conformism. Society’s standards demands an individual to conform, and if the individual refuses they are pushed down by society.

    Read More

  • Analysis Of Max Weber's The Protestant Ethic And The Spirit Of Capitalism

    1808 Words  | 4 Pages

    Based on “Freedom and Individuality”, Simmel largely perceives a positive relationship between the size or growth of society and individualism to function, but proposes that the size of the society alone does not solely determine levels of individuality. He promptly delivers his thesis, saying “the larger circle encourages individual freedom, the smaller one restricts it.” (Simmel in Calhoun 2012: 376) Simmel then goes on to describe the role of individuality within society, discussing positive aspects such as freedom and fluidity, and potentially negative aspects such as the “negative freedom of no differentiation” and loss of collective consciousness/identity. As the group grows and expands, collective identity is weakened and the original pressure to conform is relieved (to an extent), allowing for a greater opportunity for individualism to thrive in an increasingly flexible environment, at the expense of certain aspects of common culture and identity. Simmel also reflects on the difficulties associated with individualism for the individual, such as increasing difficulty trying to establish and exude one’s own unique personality within such an individualistic and flexible environment. Toward

    Read More

  • John Dewey's Critique of Socioeconomic Individualism

    4133 Words  | 9 Pages

    My paper attempts to exhibit the consistency of John Dewey’s non-individualistic individualism. It details Dewey’s claim that the traditional dualism opposing the individual to the social is politically debilitating. We find Dewey in the 20’s and 30’s, for example, arguing that the creation of a genuine public arena, one capable of precluding the rise of an artificial chasm between sociality and individuality—or, rather, one capable of precluding the rise of an artificial chasm between notions of sociality and individuality—had itself been forestalled by an inherited, outdated, but nonetheless dominant custom called individualism. By blocking public investigation itself, by enervating what Dewey called social inquiry, and thus by misguiding historically sensitive assessments of slippery social phenomena, our contingently strapped individualism drifts aimlessly and destructively through the present era. Insofar as it fails to realize how publicity and individuality can be a congruous, inextricable, and mutually conditioning pair, individualism leeches many of today’s individuals of their situated and situating historical potential.

    Read More

  • The Fountainhead: The Irrationality of Reason

    862 Words  | 2 Pages

    “Fountainhead” identifies that, though treading down the path of imminent defeat, individualism is the only noble pursuit to strive for, backed by the reasonable arguments that logic provides. Collectivism, in all of its publicized glory, serves only to enslave man and force them into subservience. Even those in power, specifically Toohey, fail to reap the benefits that collectivism is famed to offer, because they themselves are slaves to its all-consuming chasm.

    Read More

  • Condorcet's Vision Of The Future Essay

    581 Words  | 2 Pages

    Through education, Condorcet suggests, all people in the world will “acknowledge no master other than their own reason” (131). Condorcet states, “by such an education, they can...free themselves from a blind confidence in those to whom they may [otherwise] entrust the care of their interests and the security of their rights” (131). Condorcet argues that through equal education, citizens will become free and independant, able to think for themselves, while becoming able use their own reason and judgment; as a result, people will not succumb to prejudices, thus creating a better society. As a result, Condorcet suggests, “the new members of the enlightened class of men...will serve as the friends of humankind, exerting themselves together to advance the [continued] improvement and happiness of the species” (130). Condorcet’s vision of education would surely constitute as progress and change for the better; as history has proven, a society that enlightens and fosters individual education, is far superior to one that keeps its citizens

    Read More

  • Comparing The Relationship Between Individualist And Collectivism And Individualism

    1133 Words  | 3 Pages

    Individualism and collectivism are conflicting beliefs with the nature of humans, society, and the relationships between them, however, these ideologies are not diametrically opposing since both are essential towards balancing beliefs from becoming extremes. The first source represents the idea of collectivism and suggests that the society must focus on moving their viewpoint from ‘me’ into ‘we’ in the interest of survival and progression. This perspective presents the idea that the individual’s advantage belongs not only to the person, but to the group or society of which he or she is a part of, and that the individual’s values and goals are for the group’s “greater good.” Likewise, Karl Marx’s principle of communism emphasizes in the elimination

    Read More

  • Christopher Columbus

    720 Words  | 2 Pages

    Individualism is the only alternative to the racism of political correctness. We must recognize that everyone is a sovereign entity, with the power of choice and independent judgment. The values of self-esteem and Western civilization should be proudly proclaimed.

    Read More

  • Comparison of Ideology

    1133 Words  | 3 Pages

    ... have a positive and a negative impact on others. With Margaret Thatcher supporting individualism, she values more about the freedom and the individual rights of people than the security and harmony of the society. She desires a smaller role of government in the society and believes that if everyone is free to pursue their own happiness, positions in society would emerge naturally as people’s potentials are discovered. On the other hand, Mao Zedong’s extreme collectivism perspective believes that all people should be equal, focusing more on the well being of the group than individual rights. He believes that the group is as strong as the weakest link in the group and that revolutionary change is inevitable and violent. Individualism and collectivism are two different principles but with a mixture of both, it can create a balance and a better structure of a society.

    Read More

  • Placing Me Before We in Ayn Rand's Anthem

    1121 Words  | 3 Pages

    Ayn Rand's classic story of one man's desire to become an individual in a nameless society presents a compelling refutation of collectivism in all forms. The hero, labeled "Equality 7-2521" by the State, chooses to challenge conventional authority as he learns the joys of experimentation and discovery, the ecstasy of human love, the challenge and fairness of liberty, and the happiness of self-interest. Equality 7-2521 writes three unique phrases in his journal:  1. "My happiness needs no higher aim to vindicate it. My happiness is not the means to an end. It is the end.", 2. "We know that we are evil, but there is no will in us and no power to resist it.", 3. "The word 'We' . . . must never be placed first within man's soul.".  These phrases will be discussed individually in the remainder of this essay.

    Read More

  • Civil Disobedience: Henry David Thoreau

    781 Words  | 2 Pages

    The notion of individualism is extremely important in exercising the duty people have to cease from the...

    Read More

  • Embracing Collectivism

    621 Words  | 2 Pages

    Is an individual’s opinion more important than the consensus of the whole? I everyone agreed on one matter in society, it would benefit the majority of the people. Above all, collectivism drives society to contribute to the common good. People could be further altruistic and subsidiary towards others. On the contrary, individualism encourages only self-encouragement and turns society apart. Collectivism conveys the value of the whole and binds society closer. To set against social corruption and the spurious abundance of greed that an individualistic society would establish, collectivism should be valued above individualism.

    Read More

  • Conformity In Never Let Me Go

    1486 Words  | 3 Pages

    “Individualistic cultures, in the western-hemisphere, [such as the United States,] emphasize… personal identity and self-determination. Conformity is far less pervasive in individualistic societies because democratic choices and laissez-faire viewpoints are somewhat considered.”

    Read More

  • Individuallity vs. Conformity

    1102 Words  | 3 Pages

    Individuality and conformity both play a major role in society. No matter what it may be individuals will need to choose appropriately between conforming and acting individualistically about their situation. Individuality allows individuals to freely express themselves while conformity offers safety under the protection of other conformers. Both of these aspects are beneficial to many individuals and is a key to maintaining societal order; however, it is disastrous to have too much of either side of the spectrum. Therefore, there should be a balance between individuality and conformity because having too much of either side morally and physically harms components of society, such that it pressures and forces individuals to do tasks against their will, and causes individuals to think selfishly and worry solely about themselves.

    Read More

  • Education as a Social Institution

    847 Words  | 2 Pages

    Education is a vital part of society. It serves the beneficial purpose of educating our children and getting them ready to be productive adults in today's society. But, the social institution of education is not without its problems. Continual efforts to modify and improve the system need to be made, if we are to reap the highest benefits that education has to offer to our children and our society as a whole.

    Read More

  • Solidarity Analysis

    1112 Words  | 3 Pages

    Individualism is a social theory favoring freedom of action for individuals over collective or state control. It has been the center for failed solidarity in many nations around the world.

    Read More

More about Education Should be Formal and Informal to Improve as a Society

Open Document