Vocational Objectives within the US Educational System. Comparative Papers in Further Education. Number Six.

Overview & Synopsis

Beginning with a comparison of American and Western European experiences, an introductory paper by David Parkes comments on Don Morgan's account of the social, economic, and moral context in which American education has developed. This comparative paper includes discussions on these issues: the value of relating American to Western European educational experiences, educational common problems and solutions in Europe, and particular educational difficulties in the United Kingdom. The title paper examines the purposes and functions (actual and supposed) of the major sectors of education in the United States. Concerned primarily with the relationship between education and work, the theory of some economists that education in the United States fulfills the interests of the elite is reviewed. It traces the rise of the major institutional forms of education and gives reasons for their emergence. These reasons are presented in the broad context of basic social institutions. Two recommendations are made: wholly new forms of educational institutions need to be invented and direct experience in technical, industrial, agricultural, or social service occupations should be a requirement for admission into postsecondary education. (YLB)