ABSTRACT
All technologically advanced countries require some form of formal education for their citizens, which typically extends from early childhood to late adolescence. In adulthood, individuals may choose to extend their formal education by attending institutions of higher education and possibly elder hostel learning centers. The formal structure of education meant to enhance learning also has produced a fertile foundation with which to incubate, reinforce, and legitimize intergroup identities and distinctions. Throughout the educational system, students and teachers navigate a complex world that categorizes and classifies individuals into groups based upon cognitive, physical, societal, and even cultural identities.
