ABSTRACT
Because the search for mutual recognition and social cohesion through the remaking of democratic engagement will require changes of attitude and behaviour towards others, schools, as well as education in the larger sense, the crucible of socialisation, will need to be central to the transformation. The original model of the comprehensive school was an inclusive institution that takes in all abilities and embraces all classes and ethnicities. Institutions shape human behaviour: that is their purpose. If the background problem of contemporary society is fragmentation, division and misrecognition, then the system and organisation of institutions needs to be designed to enable the formation of mutual recognition and social cohesion. The contemporary system of schools and colleges reflects the kind of confusion that Alasdair MacIntyre discusses at the beginning of After Virtue. Growing out of the initiative of democratic local government, comprehensive schools can be judged to be, with the National Health Service (NHS), the great achievement of post-war social democracy.
