Equality and Education

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Abstract
Three aspects of equality as a social ideal are examined in relation to education: equal opportunity, equality of outcome, and access to a common curriculum. On the first two aspects it is argued (1) that the principle of equal opportunity applies in a clear, but limited way, to the practice of education, and (2) that neither equality of treatment nor of outcome is a defensible educational policy. An argument for a common curriculum is proposed, based on the claim that education is the object of a human right. The discussion of equality and education is related to the Karmel Report and the first two Reports of the Australian Schools Commission. They are criticized for confusing liberal and egalitarian theories of equality and for assuming that a common curriculum of skills can be detached from cultural beliefs and values.

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