Discusses research on Catholic pillarization. Argues that some European countries are internally divided into blocks of different religions and political persuasions. Outlines the success of the pillars in the areas of education and healthcare. Stresses that other social sectors which function impersonally are not influenced by the pillars. (CAJ)

Maintains that issues of religion and the schools have surfaced again in the public forum. Discusses the controversy between public and private education in Utrecht, The Netherlands, in the 1800s. Concludes that public schools can never meet the needs of all and that the Utrecht compromise suggests that alternatives are possible. (CFR)

Asserts the Dutch educational systems' key feature is the principle that parents should be given the opportunity to organize and choose the kind of education they desire. Focuses on the role of the Dutch Social Democrats, the Groningen motion, and the outcome and intellectual foundation of publicly run Dutch schools. (KDR)