Individualism, Collectivism, and Radical Educational Reform

Suggesting the American notions of individualism may be at the heart of the failure of radical schools reform, Elizabeth Cagan argues that educators must actively foster in children a collectivist character—one based on altruism, cooperation,and concern for the welfare of others. In support of this, she reviews a diverse body of literature ranging from observaations of education in socialist nations to experimental research on cooperative behavior among childern. Concluding that a moral commitment to collectivist ideals is the essence of radical reform, she offers a series of educational activities and methods designed both to reflect and to promote such ideals.