DEMOCRACY AND ITS IMPACT ON EDUCATION

Democracy is a form of government wherein the power is derived from the people, either by direct referendum or by means of elected representatives of the people. The term is derived from the words demos, which means people and kratos which means power. The term was coined to describe the existing political system in some of the ancient Greek city states. Equality and Freedom are the hallmarks of democracy since ancient times. These principles are reflected in all citizens being equal before the law and having equal access to power.

For Aristotle, who contrasted rule by the many( democracy/polity) with rule by a single person ( autocracy/monarchy) there were pros and cons of each system. Freedom, according to Aristotle, is the underlying principle of democracy, since only in democracy can the citizens have a share in freedom. Liberty is another fundamental principle of the democratic form of Government that is what is usually asserted, implying that only under this constitution do men participate in liberty, for they assert this as the aim of every democracy.

There was a time when by democracy e understood the political democracy i.e. Government by the people, for the people and of the people. But now the connotation of democracy has been much widened. It is a way of life, seeing and knowing. It is an attitude of mind under which exploitation of man by man is abhorred, it is a way of life in which the human personality is judged as supreme and of measureless worth; it is an order of social relationship, dedicated to the promotion of the individual and collective interest of common folk. It is a society, in which ordinary men and women may grow to their full stature. There is no domination of any individual or group over another.

Such a view of democracy includes economic and social democracy. Besides these, the impact of democracy on education is also seen and felt. It is democracy in the field of education which will lay sound foundations of democracy in all walks of life. Education for democracy is the first line of defence. It is an instrument of creating desirable attitudes and scientific modes of behaviour. The social role of education in a democratic society is at once to ensure equal liberty and equality of opportunity to different individuals and groups and to enable citizens to understand, appraise and redirect forces, men and events, as these tend to strengthen or weaken their liberties.

Democracy cannot be thought of in isolation from education. Infact, democracy is the result of education. Unless the principles of democracy are reflected in the aims and ideals of education, curriculum, methods of training, administration and organisation, in discipline, in the atmosphere of the school and in the outlook of the teacher, democracy cannot grow.

The first goal in education in and for democracy is the full rounded and continuing development of the person. Education in democracy must create a democratic personality. It must first of all discover his potentialities and enable him to realise them to the full by utilising the facilities provided to the individuals. The democratic content or curriculum has, therefore to be one which caters to individual aptitudes and abilities. Democratic curriculum should have variety and flexibility so as to be based on the tastes and talents of the children.

Democratic education must be well planned wherein all the members work effectively, economically and harmoniously together to achieve a common purpose, where freedom is united with responsibility.

In a democratically administered school the students have the share in making the rules which relate to them. They have ample opportunities to shoulder responsibilities in running clubs, societies and associations and in organising various functions in the school. While the guidance and advice of teachers should be available, the students must enjoy the powers to make their own decisions and show a sense of responsibility. Democratic education is a social system devoted to developing. If the needs of the students are met, if they are progressively better every next day, if they are developing increasingly, selfdirection in their own affairs, if they are able to seek more learning, then he atmosphere is democratic.

In conclusion, it may be said that democratic approach to education embodies a number of implied assumptions. Education for democracy means helping all men and women to develop fully and freely and to fulfil themselves. The youth must be trained in a manner that he or she should be able to play his or her role in the society according to his or her own capacities. Highlighting the close relationship between education and democracy, John Dewey says, ........a government resting upon popular suffrage cannot be successful unless those who elect and obey their governors are educated.