Reform movements in American education: A consequence of conflict and compromise between political cultures

In this study, the political culture construct developed by anthropologist Mary Douglas was utilized to analyze educational change in the history of American education. An effort was made to discover any patterns in the reforms or cycles which, in turn, could lead to a more accurate prediction of future changes. This thesis argues that educational reforms are a reflection of the conflict and compromise between competing political regimes, and that by knowing the cycles of dominance of these regimes as well as the historical context in which they are allowed to dominate, one will be able to predict what educational reforms will be likely to be proposed and implemented in the future.; This study was completed in four stages. First, the "grand schema" of preferences for each culture was developed according to political culture theory; and from this, specific educational indicators of each regime were derived. Next, historical data was collected and utilized to develop profiles of educational conditions and reform demands through eight separate periods of American educational history. These profiles were then culturally coded according to the indicators of educational preferences.; These culturally coded profiles were analyzed for discernable patterns in school reform and the functioning of American educational systems. Finally, the strength which a regime or hybrid demonstrated, as well as any recurring pattern, was examined for significance. The results of the findings were discussed in terms of the implications for educational policy developers.; Analysis of the data revealed that the individualistic regime exerted the most consistent influence on education, but it was rarely found in isolation. Educational reform movements throughout American history have been characterized as a "seesaw" with individualism on one side, collectivism on the other, and egalitarianism as the fulcrum.; The research revealed that most reform movements proposed by the adherents of any culture have had to effect implementation through a collectivist structure; thus the structure will have to be changed before any lasting reform may be accomplished. Analysis has revealed that such a change is actually possible.; Given the economic and social context of the present, and the emerging patterns from the recent past, it is likely that the next reform wave will be led by the American individualist cultural hybrid whose adherents are committed to equality of opportunity and conditions in education.