ABSTRACT
In the chapter, the author's ability to predict the outcomes of educational policy in any nation depends on the accuracy with which he describes the constituents of its "national character" and the "mental states" of groups within a nation. Vernon Mallinson enters the field of social psychology when he writes about the constituents of "national character". Vernon Mallinson implies that in any nation there are serious constraints on the possible range of educational reforms and that these are determined by the "national character" of people. The "problem solving approach" requires that we know what may be regarded as conservative elements in a society, identified as "national character" and group "mental states". Regardless of social and political diversity, national constitutions and legislation, whatever their purpose, are intended to establish a framework of beliefs in accordance with which citizens are expected to act.
