ABSTRACT
The 'de-schoolers' are fully aware that the extension of compulsory education derives in part from the political necessity of keeping young people off the streets because there are no jobs for them. The educational system itself is seen as essentially harmful. The 'de-schoolers', like many others, are disturbed by the gross inequality in the distribution of educational resources in our society and the monopolization of education and learning and teaching by educational institutions. All the de-schoolers are advocating fundamental changes in Western society's culture and structure as well as in the educational system. They are right when they suggest that there are urgent educational changes needed which cannot wait until other social and economic changes have paved the way. In the meantime it is highly possible that the impact of the 'de-schoolers' on practising teachers will be marginal.
