The relationship between education and social change: a theoretical analysis

Abstract

The relationship between education and social change has been regarded differently at different periods in history. It has undergone historical development. This thesis is an attempt to delineate important strands in this development and arrive at the most adequate understanding of the 'relationship between education and social change.' Dependent on the conclusions of such an analysis are important questions facing educational theorists today. The format of the discussion is basically as follows - to set the scene, a historical description will be given, briefly, of the views of important philosophers and educational theorists on the relationship between education and social change. Turning to more recent theorists, a conceptual distinction will be drawn between the traditional reformist argument and the Marxist position on the relationship between education and social change.