There Is No Such Thing as Society Only Individuals and Their Families
"There is no such affair every bit club"
Margaret Thatcher was quoted equally saying in 1987 that "there is no such thing as society." That phrase made the political indicate that people should take care of themselves and their families and not look to authorities to do it. In other words, in that context, "society" was the same every bit "government".
More than a quarter century later, but in a larger and less political context, it might be useful to ask ourselves whether in that location is, indeed, such a thing every bit society. The cohesion that is so vital for its existence seems to be weakening.
One has the impression, at times, of living in a centrifuge that separates, divides, atomizes, and polarizes? There seems to exist a growing distrust of authorities and social institutions. Accept nosotros moved from good for you skepticism to subversive cynicism?
Part of this unraveling consequence may be related to the deployment of the Internet. Are we replacing a club composed of institutions with a myriad of networks? The Internet provides an avalanche of information "sorted" past its purveyors and enables all of the vehicles of social networking. But, that combination of information and links does non necessarily mean either greater understanding or real communication. And, it does not automatically contribute to democracy.
The technical means be to create multiple realities; "boutique" realities, if yous will. Information technology can exist a way of tuning out, not tuning in; of fugitive engagement. It tin supercede exchange with having one'due south views, no matter how bizarre and mean they may be, comforted and reinforced by cocky-selected others. Even when those piddling, independent realities are not dangerous, they detract from "normal" social life.
The context for that drift is another "machinery"; the market. It, and its actors, have an "ideological" effect and influence that discourages collective reflection and activity.
Even the concept of a "public" that cares about the mutual good and has the chapters to make democratic decisions may be weakening. That undermines public service values and appreciation of the value of public services.
Rebuilding a collective sense and agreement of positive values is not simple. It is not a task that can be entrusted to education in isolation. It requires long-term, public policy strategies that go beyond adapting to changes in engineering science and only accepting and arresting their unfortunate side furnishings.
Internet dangers volition not exist corrected with a "Luddite" approach. However, a debate is needed about whether the Internet should exist master or retainer. Is the Internet a tool to be used for constructive purposes or a pre-ordained, unstoppable, uncontrollable seismic sea wave washing over club? There should be public discussion that includes the education world almost shaping the apply of this important tool rather than leaving all the critical choices to the corporations that have designed, adult, and profit from it.
The Internet is not, of class, the only force that endangers the cohesion of society. In that location are a plethora of unrelated divisions and tensions in society that may be amplified, but are non created online. And, it is in that larger context that a well-rounded teaching is vital if societies are to heal and come together.
Professional person teachers must lead if there is to be such a matter as society. There are no prescriptions or detailed road maps. One builds respect through showing respect: Tolerance comes from tolerance. And, peace comes from resolving disharmonize rather than stifling it. Listening, independent thinking, gratuitous discussion and other essential life skills must be learned. They cannot be "clicked".
Albert Einstein has been quoted as maxim, "Non everything that counts can be counted, and non everything that can be counted counts." Re-weaving the cloth of gild, restoring trust and brownie, resurrecting debate, building understanding and community, and giving new life to key values requires educational activity focused precisely on those most vital homo characteristics that cannot be counted.
The very best practices and near dedicated pedagogy personnel, on their own, cannot build healthier, stronger and more coherent societies. They cannot replace fear with hope. They cannot dislodge desperation with nobility or breathe new life into our democracies. However, it is unimaginable that such progress tin can or will have identify without good quality, accessible education.
The opinions expressed in this weblog are those of the writer and do not necessarily reverberate any official policies or positions of Didactics International.
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Source: https://www.ei-ie.org/index.php/en/item/21332:there-is-no-such-thing-as-society
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