Theoretical perspectives of education: Postmodernist

Overview of Postmodernism:

Postmodernism rejects grand theories or ‘meta-narratives’ that claim to explain the entirety of human society or experience.
It argues that societies and individuals are now more diverse and fragmented which has implications on the way we understand and engage with education.

Role of Education:

Postmodernists contend that education systems should reflect the diversity and complexity of society.
This perspective views education as something that should not be standardised or homogenised, but rather flexible, diverse, and responsive to societal change.
Postmodernists argue that education should help young people to cope with uncertainty and to be adaptable, promoting creativity and critical thinking as invaluable skills.

Critiques of Traditional Education Systems:

Postmodernists reject the idea of a ‘one-size-fits-all’ education system, instead favouring a more personalised approach that values individual experiences.
They criticise the National Curriculum for being too prescriptive and outdated, suggesting it is not capable of preparing individuals for a rapidly changing, diverse world.
Traditional hierarchal structures in schools, such as the division between teachers and students, are viewed as contradictory to the notion of individual autonomy and equality.

Critiques of Postmodernist Perspective:

Critics highlight that the approach may lead to a lack of social cohesion as a common education experience helps bond society together.
It is argued that schools must teach a common body of knowledge to ensure equality of opportunity, particularly for disadvantaged students.
The postmodernist critique of education is also limited by its focus on the nature of knowledge and curriculum content, often ignoring issues of social class, race, and gender inequalities in education.