ABSTRACT
In a simple society power may reside in the person of a tribal chief or in a group of headmen; in a highly developed society it may reside in what is referred to as 'the state'. According to E. Durkheim the role of the state was largely one of outlining certain basic and essential principles in education, and of ensuring that these were mediated to children in all schools. In a simple society it is the function of the 'state' to ensure that its members are educated in the ways of the fathers. The role of the state is to provide for a certain homogeneity of mores, behaviour, activity and thought. The state is concerned with other functions in the sphere of education besides the enforcement of compulsory attendance at state schools and other approved or registered establishments. Both the nature of the state and the function of education are viewed differently in different societies.
