International economic theories and educational reform in Greece (1976-77)

Abstract

In this article I will try to demonstrate that the rift between Greek political parties concerning problems in educational reform in the period 1976- 77 was created to a great extent by different interpretations of the new international economic theories which were being expounded in the 70’s. During the period of transition from a military regime (1974) to the consolidation of democracy (1981), revolutionary and radical political ideas flourished. The neo-Marxist theory of economics and the theory of dependence had a great influence on Greek political thought. The model of ‘modernization’ had been called into question by the Left political parties. The problem was not the issue of development but the kind of development. This lack of agreement not only set limits to the possibilities of successful educational reform in Greece but also posed new questions about the role of education in economic development. The discussion on development and education will be correlated with the changes that were taking place in economy, due to the fact that throughout history education has always been closely allied with productivity, either directly or indirectly.