The development of the modern nation-state was an inherently centralising process. Education policy and the institutionalisation of mass public schooling played a key role in this process, facilitating industrialisation and the generation of mass loyalty toward the state. In almost all federal systems, however, education policy remained an…

This article introduces a collection of papers comprising the special issue, "Competing interests: Parents, Schools and Nation States." Drawing on the seven papers in the collection, and situating them in recent developments in the sociological field, the article discusses globally shifting relations between families, schools and the…

This article investigates the changing state-university relations in Japan and Malaysia. Its main objective is to identify and examine possible lessons for Malaysia, based on the Japanese experience. Notably, since the late 1970s, Malaysia has been looking towards Japan as a model for socio-economic development (the "look-east" Policy)…

Kandel's reputation as a giant in the field of comparative education rests upon his magisterial surveys of educational systems in which he developed an intricate pattern of educational, political, historical, and philosophical relationships, with his theme being the relationship between education and the state. (Author/BRR)

The value of historical descriptive analysis in comparative education is highlighted by the method's application to schooling in Burma, demonstrating how control over schooling relates to state legitimacy. Supervision of Burmese education by Theravada Buddhist monasteries--Sangha--was undermined by 19th-century British colonial administration. The…

Examines the role of the state in South African university affairs during the apartheid era (1948-90). Suggests that interactions between the state and universities were more volatile than is generally portrayed in the literature and were especially so during the 1980s when the state struggled unsuccessfully to overcome popular challenges to White…

Explores issues of academic freedom and autonomy in various systems of higher education in Latin America, with emphasis on the Brazilian case. Analyzes the issues of financial and administrative autonomy and tensions between the universities and the state during three historical periods: 1920s-50s, 1960s-70s, and 1980s-90s. (Contains 28…

Examines the Scottish university tradition and the origins and particulars of Scottish-Anglo differences in higher education. Discusses the 19th-century growth of Scottish universities, which lacked formal entrance requirements; students' rights and power in the university; academic degrees awarded; relationship with the state; and student…

A more objective assessment of British colonial education policy calls for a deeper appreciation of the nature and limitations of colonial government, the difficulties associated with interpreting the trusteeship principle, and the influence of local conditions in determining educational policy and practice. (Author)

Presents a historical overview of selection mechanisms determining admission to higher education in Hungary. Discusses traditional centralized control of society and education, shifts in university admission criteria from family background and financial position to political reliability to knowledge and competence, and current trends. Contains 30…

Challenges conventional views of colonial schooling and its outcomes through analysis of education on the Torres Straits Islands, 1873-1985. Argues that, despite racist educational policies, the schooling introduced social change to the community and that the schooling that Islanders actually got was influenced by local context and customs,…

Compares the histories of Brazilian and U.S. federal government policies toward educational governance. Argues that current policies that apparently support decentralization and privatization actually ensure the continued hegemony of the state while relieving it of financial and social responsibilities related to efficiency and equity. Contains 47…

Covers the history of higher education in Sri Lanka under British colonial rule and after 1948, including establishment of universities and struggles for administrative control of universities by government ministries. (MH)

Examines government policies in England and Australia toward nongovernment schools, compares forms of direct and indirect support which such schools and their pupils receive from public funds, and looks at ways in which state aid for nonstate schools has been justified and condemned. (JHZ)

Chinese educationists since 1949 have attempted to continue the Confucian educational tradition, emphasizing attributes which are compatible with Marxism. (MH)