September 04, 2009

Flaws in the Education System

Jeraldine said:

In the past, I used to think that people who are not successful (in a material sense) are there because it’s their own fault for not working hard but come to think of it, looking at the bigger picture, upbringing and where you are born really plays a big part. The role of parenting is really significant like if you compare people whose parents are educated in NUS versus one whose parents only have pri 6 education. Well of course, we have exceptions but if you look and observe, you’d see majority of the lower income and their kids are concentrated in the less elite schools.

Recommended by Anonymous Coward: "jc girl insights on the importance of upbringing and parenting to ensure one survives the education system"

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Submitted by Anonymous Coward on September 04//12:08pm and published by jseng :: 4923 reads | trackback
Comments 14

Quote Godwin: "I thought the whole point of being successful is so that the playing ground will NOT be level for your children?"

I don't wholly agree. It's not the same thing as saying that "All parents want the best for their children." Leaving the best future for one's children isn't the only thing that people have in mind. There are people, such as Jeraldine, who believe in a fair society, and would work towards that.

Quote Godwin again: "Egalitarianisn is for people envy and resent the success others have achieved and who don't think they can get ahead by their own efforts. I hope Jeraldine grows out of it soon."

I think that is a unfair judgement of egalitarianism. There are people who believe in fairness of it's own sake.

Grow out of it? So you are saying that accepting that being born into a privileged family is a fair entitlement to a good future is a mark of maturity, and that believing in a fair society signifies immaturity?

I understand that true equality may never be reached because parents want the best for their children. But I'm sure you also believe that nobody should suffer the consequences for circumstances out of their control, and indeed, it's not the child's fault that the parents can't give him a good environment. I'm sure there are ways to empower those who come from less privileged backgrounds! The EESIS Scheme is one good example showing how the government has stepped in to help. Maybe to address the issue of knowledge on how to prepare for a better future, schools can hold more workshops about career guidance? Just a thought.

Posted by Yak* on 9 September, 2009 - 12:31am