ABSTRACT
This chapter explores how education formed an integral part of the welfare state during the cold war. The chapter is divided into two parts: "political transformation of mass publics" focuses on the background rationale for the educational expansion of 1960-1970, and "towards an education society" examines the crucial education reforms that took place in these countries during the same period, and how they were legitimized globally by domestic politicians. In the Cold War context, education was viewed as a political mechanism for elevating members of the nation-state from passive to active participation. The political transformation of mass publics into a pool of advanced competences was crucial for a dynamic future economy, global recognition, and increased equality of opportunities. The education reforms that were introduced from 1960 to 1970 therefore took place in the context of a changing idea of social policy. Wider access to education was pursued as a national necessity, a conviction shared by all major political parties.
