The Modern World and Mass Public Education: Bureaucratized Schools around the World

Abstract

I have lived, worked, or studied in Germany, Tanzania, Thailand, and the United States. Each of these countries has a system of mass public education, which the government and people believe is the basis for the future that will come, just like Durkheim wrote. But in each there is also dissatisfaction with the existing system, and a frustration with today’s youth for ostensibly being lazier, dumber, softer, and less focused than previous generations. Common coffee table talk from people in whichever country is that:

• a) Our country’s moral fiber is threatened because the public schools are not adequate.

• b) I need to get my own child into a schooling situation that avoids the pitfall of my country.

• c) Another country’s education is better because either “everyone knows it,” or “the international test scores show it.”

• d) The schools are far too bureaucratic, unfair, and don’t enforce behavior rules.

• e) In the past schools were much better; the better days were usually when “I” went to school.

• f) And finally, that if only X were tried (pick your silver bullet), things would magically be better.