Education and Diversity – Usher & Edwards

The education system has become more diverse over a number of years, reflecting key characteristics of Postmodernism. Postmodernism would argue that education promotes diversity and individualism.

In addition to this, Postmodernists argue that today’s economy, that has moved beyond factory labour, requires a labour market which is flexible and adaptable. This requires the education system to provide a diverse skills-based curriculum which equips learners with the attributes to work in a dynamic and evolving employment sector.

Usher and Edwards claim there should be no single curriculum and instead schools should teach different things. Education should to cater to all, whatever the individuals’ social class, sexual orientation, ethnicity and gender.

Evaluation

The extent of diversity in the education system is exaggerated. For example, nearly all schools must follow the national curriculum and each student is assessed against an objective standard which is the same for all.

Marxists would disagree with postmodernist views on equipping students with

diverse skill sets for the economy. Bowles and Gintis would instead suggest that the education system teaches obedience and penalises any sign of individualism and creativity