Misconception #104: The schools can fix all of society's problems

We need the schools because we all benefit from an educated society. We need the schools because schools can reduce the crime rate. We need the schools because they benefit the economy. We need the schools because they can create a more inclusive society. We need the schools because we assume that all these are true, even when evidence is limited or contrary.


If the schools did what they claimed, I would support the concept. Unfortunately, schooling has led to an under-educated intolerant society where discrimination keeps highly capable individuals from contributing, perhaps even turning to crime due to lack of opportunity. Admittedly, most of the concerns I have with the schools are nearly impossible to prove, especially since it can be very difficult to isolate one specific factor in society-wide trends.

We insist that the schools can solve all of our problems. If that's true, who wouldn't want the schools to succeed? Unfortunately, none of this is rooted in reality. If the schools produces the benefits they claim, their substantial influence would have provided us with much greater results than we're seeing. Most of the evidence I have seen points in the exact opposite direction. Our schooling system is doing far more harm than good to society.