The effects of politics on education in Malta (1945-1985)

Abstract

Early 20th century reformers thought that if all children were offered an education on an equal basis, the outcome would be a moral consensus, a shared commitment to the social order. After World War II, rigid class stratification began to give way and Europe moved towards a different system of education. This system was based on the recognition that all citizens are entitled to the same opportunities in education. Changes in Great Britain illustrate the shift from class to mass education. This has been taking place in Europe since the mid-1940's. The number of years of compulsory education was raised and new secondary schools were established to meet a variety of student needs. Thanks to mass education deviant and anti-social attitudes present in a section of the lower class children it was hoped, would be eliminated, by teaching these children the values of the social system they live in, thus turning them into "intelligent and prosperous citizens rather than beggarly and riotous". This is somewhat reflected in some of Durkheim' s conclusions in his study of education. In fact he states that education is the key to self-discipline and social-order.