Power Struggle and Education
Synopsis
This book comprehensively examines the impact of political power on education and the mutual interaction between these two dynamics. Political power does not merely view education as a domain where individuals acquire knowledge and skills but also as a strategic tool to shape societal values and ways of thinking. Education policies, in turn, become a critical arena for power struggles, subjecting the educational system to various ideological conflicts throughout history.
Since the establishment of the Republic, the Turkish education system has been shaped by significant interventions such as the Law on the Unity of Education (Tevhid-i Tedrisat), the February 28 decisions, and the Century of Türkiye Education Model. These interventions, influenced by the tension between secular and conservative values, have led to societal divisions and ideological polarization. The educational system has been significantly affected by ideological influences in areas such as curriculum changes, teacher policies, and school governance.
The book analyzes the impact of Turkey's leader-centered political culture and ideological divisions on education policies. It explores the ideological orientation of curricula, the bias in teacher policies, and the consequences of social engineering efforts on the education system. These efforts are shown to deepen societal divisions rather than fostering unity, rendering the education system unsustainable.
In conclusion, the book identifies the root causes of the failures within Turkey's education system, emphasizing that these issues stem from societal differences, ideological conflicts, and opaque policies. It underscores the necessity of transforming education policies into a more fair, transparent, and inclusive structure, warning that failure to do so will perpetuate societal conflicts. The book aims to provide readers with a historical, sociological, and critical perspective on the relationship between education and politics.