Expectations for school as an institution

I mentioned in one of my previous blog posts that the Free School was possible because of the families’ socioeconomic background. However, now I believe it is not so, thanks to class discussions and Kozol.

I feel like school, as an institution, is recreating socially constructed power structures. As we have discussed in class, we are in this cycle of socially constructing our surroundings, and being socially constructed by our surroundings. Kozol stated, that “whether they like it or not, or whether they wish to speak of it or not, the beautiful children of the rich and powerful within this nation are going to be condemned to wield that power also” (10). Hence, the upper-class Free School, according to Kozol, is “obviating pain and etherizing evil” (12). The school as an institution is not only expected to educate children and have them develop as a human, but also to create a change in the cycle of social construction.

When I read the accounts of Sudbury Valley alumni, I was impressed. They seemed content with their own life, which I think is one of the goals of education. Most students were feeling that they have control over their life and that they are happy with their lives. On the other hand, those who feel they are not in control, or not happy with their state of life at that moment, were relatively less among the alumni who were interviewed. As I read this, I reflected upon my days I spent as Soka High School in Tokyo. The teaching style was traditional – teacher at the front lecturing while students sit and listen. However, as an alumnus, I feel the education I received was not traditional, because it was not only knowledge that I gained, but also wisdom of how I can apply what I learnt in life and how I can use them to contribute to the society. I think it was from interaction and relationships I had with teachers, friends, and the school founder that I learned those things. Now that I think about it, although situation and structure may influence people, the most important thing maybe the quality of interaction the teachers and students have. Relating to the school institution as replicating social construction, I think it is important to cut off the cycle of socially constructed power, but it can be done in upper-class Free School too if they are aware that having that power means that they are responsible not only for their happiness but also others’ happiness.