To what extent is education a social leveller in society?
This question requires you to evaluate the success of education in society. It is necessary to show limitations of education to answer ‘the extent’ part of the question. Point out how in some instances education in fact widens the social gap.
Note: It is important that if you mention other types of social levellers, then you should compare it with education.
Yes, Education is a social leveller:
- Education, as the widespread dissemination of knowledge, is necessary to iron out the inequalities that society faces today.
- Education provides an opportunity to break out of the vicious poverty cycle afflicting a large percentage of the world’s population.
- Education is vital, as it makes people aware of their rights, options & opportunities available to them.
- Education does not take one’s status into account - everyone starts from scratch and one’s own effort & ability are the catalysts to success.
No, Education is not a social leveller:
- Education intensifies the inequality between the rich and the poor, as only the privileged few have access to funds for better quality education.
- Education might also widen the gap by favouring those who are highly educated as they are more likely to perform well in school & go on to command higher positions & salaries later in life.
- Poor teaching strategies have led to children completing education and yet lacking basic skills in reading, writing and arithmetic.
- Education is unable to provide a feasible means to success for students with alternative talents, forcing conformity among the diverse spectrum of talents that students have.
