Does Socialism work in Education?

Education is the basis for society, the thoughts one has, and what one does with their life.  One question one must ask is who should get education?  Does Socialism work in Education?  In careful examination of the definition of socialism and the socialistic educations in both Norway and America, one may conclude it is the implementation of the socialist practices, the affect on people’s view of the education system.

What is the definition of socialism?  To some it is a negative term, other it is a gift from God.  “Socialism is the people’s control over the means of production.” Some disagree thinking socialism is linked with communism and is a command economy.  One, however, should look at who put the government in its place.  In socialist countries, the government is operated by some form of democracy, where the people elect the people they wish to run the government.  The policies of such a government will adapt to the views and opinions of its citizens.  Generally, even the rich in these countries support the continued effort to give equal opportunity to all thru socialistic education.

How then does socialism effect education in Norway?  The first look should be at what the people believe.   They say, “All who have earned money have once upon a time used the pre-schools and schools.  In our society you pay for your education later on thru taxes.”  This way even the poorest person can get an education, finding their intelligence and paying back later thru hard work.  People in Scandinavia have different views on life.  Terms such as socialism, liberal, or conservative mean different things to them.  The issue is not money; it is fairness, opportunity, and freedom.

In fact, according to PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment) the more money one puts in the education system the more likely one will receive high results.  The scores also show that social areas receive higher scores.  Finland a socialistic Scandinavian country receives the highest scores in reading skills.

So then what is given to a student thru the education system of Norway?  Education in Norway is free, unless one attends certain private schools.  Upon Entree into Secondary School, the pupil can decide which school to attend in Norway.  If moving location is necessary to attend the approved school of ones choice, then the government will provide more support to help with ones rent and living costs then those who choose to remain close to home to study, and thus reside there.  For example, in 2002, one could receive up to NOK 1235 per month extra support for students living at home, but a fixed 3450 per month for those who do not reside with their parents.  Also, of the 391,000 secondary schools students, 323,902 or 83% choose to receive extra support either for the fact they did not reside with their parents or just for extra cash.   The education in Norway includes excellent facilities and an education based on the culture and religion of the country.

Then what are the costs, or taxes in Norway?  The taxes in Norway are low for the European Continent, starting at 13.5% plus fixed 7.8% National Insurance.  The addition of both can not exceed 49.3%.

How then does socialism affect schooling in the United States of America?  Most people in America believe in the right of all to an education; however some disagree if it is the government’s job to provide.   One of the government’s current efforts is to improve education and convince people that the government will succeed.   “‘Every child can learn, we mean it and want to act on it.  It means excuses aren’t good enough.  We need results.’- Rod Paige, US Secretary of Education.”  However when everyone’s mindset is that the school system is doomed, how can it get fixed?  “It is now more than 70yrs later and we have allowed our education system to continue as a socialist system, when it is obvious to us and the rest of the world that such a system is fundamentally flawed”

How does then the US Government educate its people?  It tries to fix the current education problem by adding more money to a doomed system, such as millions of dollars to Hawaii for a reading program.  It is also a very controlled system, both federally and locally.  In Oklahoma, 34% of high school graduates can not read.   There is little option for changing schools other than moving district or county.   People, even though receiving free schooling, do not receive extra support to buy books, or live while attending “free” school

How does this affect the Taxation in the United States?  Tax Rates are quite low, but you have more of them.  You have federal, state, social security and unemployment tax.  When added together the rates are equal or beat Norwegian rates.  Yet does the Individual Receive that much?

In Conclusion, One can see that socialism must be accompanied by democracy. By looking at socialism, and its implementation in two very different countries we see that socialism is for the people.   One must choose between the dictatorship of capitalism and communism or one can choose democratic socialism.

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