Education for Diversity *

This chapter locates 'multicultural education' in a broader context; namely, the central dilemma of reconciling education for diversity with provision for a basis of common skills and attitudes. The chapter argues that education may be viewed as a process devoted largely to ensuring social continuity, but also to engendering social change — a process linked to broader structural and ideological variables, and varying with time and place according to the emphasis which is placed upon the development of the individual as compared with the interests of society. It discusses that while the dichotomy is an unreal one, and that education is generally felt to be both a social and an individual good, the balance does vary from time to time and place to place. A prevailing social and political ideology which emphasizes conformity is likely to be reflected in school practices which minimize individualized learning; a more liberal regime may do the opposite.