Why do schools exist to begin with

[autisticdragonkin]

Is there any point to schools existing? Do they contribute to society in some sort of hidden way or are they just tools of oppression

[Cianna200]

School was started I believe by a Prussian system, whose goal was to train children to blindly obey and do what they are told, same with modern schools, they are not for learning how to be intelligent per say but for brainwashing and inducing fear and control, so that the higher masses can still be in charge and have power over you. By constantly giving us needless assignments and controlling our thinking they are dumbing us down, and by making school obligatory, they are not respecting our freedom to learn not to mention this counts as a form of imprisonment. So in truth school has a hidden dark secret/intention that they don't want you to know.

[brainiac3397]

Ehh not that drastic. The "Prussian system" was intended to educate the population to Prussia to ensure an at-least literate masses, because illiterate soldiers made bad soldiers. The Prussians also created a German General Staff of officers who had undergone educational training to serve as officers rather than rely on either officers from the aristocracy or officers promoted from battlefield units(who might lack administrative skills). Obviously without education, there'd be few people eligible for the General Staff.

The reality of schooling was an interest in creating an educated populace which would then further contribute to the welfare and development of their country. There was of course a later shift, especially during the Industrial Age, to prepare people for employement in factories as obedient laborers. However, it's quite inaccurate to claim this applied to them all(and quite drastically cynical).

[Cianna200]

Well it was started somewhere along that line with some dark intentions, at least that is what I have read and been told. Also, I am just a cynical person, that was already revealed many times, can't change, not in this mad world.

[LieutenantZvesda]

To educate the public so the entire country does not collapse, and to a certain extent, keep the peace and make sure people understand why things work the way they do, and not to question them.

School is extremely necessary for a society.

[Ilija.m]

(02-24-2016 10:38 AM)autisticdragonkin Wrote:  Is there any point to schools existing? Do they contribute to society in some sort of hidden way or are they just tools of oppression

A long time ago parents teached there children what to do now the education system is credited of doing something about education but for the sociaity part i don't think it contributes something to begin with .

[brainiac3397]

A long time ago, parents thought working on the farm was better than becoming an educated scholar.

Education and schooling is still important. Problem is that it isn't always effectively utilized. US college has practically become high-school plus because highschools are failing to properly educate students.

[SoulRiser]

(02-25-2016 09:34 AM)LieutenantZvesda Wrote:  To educate the public so the entire country does not collapse, and to a certain extent, keep the peace and make sure people understand why things work the way they do, and not to question them.

School is extremely necessary for a society.

[James Comey]

(02-24-2016 10:38 AM)autisticdragonkin Wrote:  Is there any point to schools existing? Do they contribute to society in some sort of hidden way or are they just tools of oppression

I used to have a slight view in favor of the "oppressive theory" a while back, but in order to answer this question, we have to go way back.

Before the 19th century, the idea of education was, believe it or not, quite restricted to the elite, similar to music and art actually. Before then the most educated people were typically those at the top of the ladder; most people during these times were primarily focused on their farm, faith in god, etc. In fact, even having books not called the Bible was uncommon. Schools that did exist were restricted to the elite. I don't know much about schooling in say, Rome, ancient China, or the Aztec Empire.

Then came the Industrial Revolution, where people suddenly needed mechanical skills, and hence, many other skills, to operate these positions. Obviously, since people had no idea what the hell they were doing with those machines, it was favorable to educate people (not to mention that literacy was needed). Yes, the Prussian system was based on indoctrination, and yes, it was modeled on factory work, but the rationale was:
Educated literate people = better economy = superpower

Many people on here focus on the fact that Prussia was quite authoritarian in nature, but the intent truly was to increase the standard of living and welfare, and make lives easier, even if today this isn't the actual effect.

It was quite a big sociological, and hence, geopolitical movement.

Even with good/reasonable intentions, that doesn't mean it's right. Hell, Michigan Governor Rick Snyder (Michigan seems to be pretty progressive when it comes to education) said that we have an outdated education system. Changing it is an entirely different can of worms.

[brainiac3397]

Prussia was relatively authoritarian. They were actually quite the "enlightened" empire. Remember that Prussia was unfortunately at the center of various conflicts, and "germany" itself was quite fractured. Obviously this led to a situation where there was a strong focus on establishing a fearsome and capable military to deter people from thinking about attacking.

Despite this "authoritarianism" the Prussians did not neglect culture and education.

[brainiac3397]

Prussia was relatively authoritarian. They were actually quite the "enlightened" empire. Remember that Prussia was unfortunately at the center of various conflicts, and "germany" itself was quite fractured. Obviously this led to a situation where there was a strong focus on establishing a fearsome and capable military to deter people from thinking about attacking.

Despite this "authoritarianism" the Prussians did not neglect culture and education.