Communism and education: Propaganda or liberation?

The political philosophies and economic ramifications of communism have long been the focus of intense discussion and analysis. But another equally important, though occasionally disregarded, aspect is the influence of communism on education. It raises the question: Does implementing communist ideas in education actually promote liberation, or is it just propaganda?

Historical perspective

The socioeconomic disparities brought about by the industrial revolution gave rise to communism as an ideology. Proposing the elimination of private property, class divisions, and the creation of a classless society, communism aimed to construct a system in which resources and wealth were shared among all. The relationship between communism and education has a long history, as seen by the emphasis placed by prominent communist leaders like Karl Marx on the importance of education in forming social consciousness.

Marx claimed that in a communist society, education ought to be a means of emancipation, enabling people to engage in critical thought and actively contribute to the collective's future developments. Early 20th-century communist groups, particularly those in the Soviet Union and China, instituted educational reforms with the goal of ending illiteracy and giving everyone access to equal educational possibilities.

The potential liberation in education

The notion that all people should have access to high-quality education, regardless of their socioeconomic status, is one of the core principles of communism. Theoretically, a communist educational system would eradicate differences in access to education and promote a society in which a person’s potential is unrestricted by their financial or social status.

Furthermore, communism emphasizes the growth of a communal consciousness and critical thinking. The goal of a communist educational system would be to develop people who actively participate in society politics, question established norms, and confront injustices. In this way, education turns into a liberating tool that breaks down the barriers of conventional hierarchies and motivates people to work for the welfare of society.

Communist educational systems frequently place a high priority on vocational training with the goal of supplying people with useful skills that advance the welfare of the group as a whole. By bridging the knowledge gap between theory and practice, this method aims to equip people to actively engage in a society where everyone is involved in both production and government.

Country’s like the Soviet Union (Former Russia), Cuba and China have practiced communism and education with their own way and needs as Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels mentioned in ‘The Communist Manifesto.’

The Soviet Union, which offers a striking historical example of the blending of communism and education, engaged in the practice of propaganda and indoctrination from the 1920s to the 1980s. During this time, the education system was transformed into a potent weapon for advancing the communist ideology. Under Vladimir Lenin’s direction, the Soviet Union’s early years saw drastic changes to education aimed at producing a ‘New Soviet Man’ who personified communist principles.

Marxist-Leninist ideas, which emphasized the benefits of collectivism, class conflict, and communism’s ultimate victory, had a strong influence on the curriculum. Even as the percentage of literacy increased dramatically, political indoctrination found its way into the school system. Pupils were taught a rewritten history that frequently ignored opposing viewpoints and exalted the accomplishments of the Communist Party.

Likewise, opposing opinions were silenced, and teachers were under pressure to follow party lines. Instead of encouraging critical thought, the educational system started to inculcate state loyalty. This is a prime example of how communism in education changed from being a liberating force to a propagandist and ideological conformity weapon.

Has a balance seems to be achieved in Cuba from the 1960s until now? Cuba offers a more complex illustration of the relationship between communism and education than the Soviet Union did. In an effort to end illiteracy and establish a more egalitarian society, Fidel Castro's government carried out extensive educational reforms after the Cuban Revolution of 1959.

High rates of literacy and universal access to school are two major accomplishments of Cuba's educational system. Marxist ideas are incorporated into the curriculum, but civic education and critical thinking are also prioritized. In order to promote a balance between society norms and individual freedoms, students are encouraged to challenge authority and participate in conversations concerning societal issues.

China’s experience with communism has evolved significantly from the 1950s to the present, especially in the post-Mao era. Under Mao Zedong’s leadership, political dogma dominated the curriculum and education was strictly regulated. Intellectual freedom was suppressed and school closures resulted from the Cultural Revolution’s increased use of ideological indoctrination.

China’s educational scene has seen significant changes since Mao. A change in priority was brought about by Deng Xiaoping’s economic reforms in the late 20th century, which placed more emphasis on technology developments and skill development. Although the Communist Party still maintains a large amount of influence, there has been a steady openness to other ideas and a diversification of the curriculum.

Strong rivalry and social pressure are two issues that the Chinese education system is currently facing. Critics claim that the focus on memorization and exam-focused education hinders critical thinking and creativity. The constant battle to find a balance between emancipation and conformity within the educational framework is highlighted by the conflict between conventional communist beliefs and the demands of a quickly changing global economy.

Concerns and criticisms

Communist ideas have been heavily criticized in education, notwithstanding any possible advantages. The possibility of indoctrination and the repression of personal freedom are two main causes for concern. Critics contend that a communist educational system may suppress dissent and restrict students’ intellectual growth by placing a higher priority on ideological conformity than intellectual diversity.

Communist educational programs have historically been implemented, especially in nations like China and the Soviet Union, which is the subject of another critique. Critics cite examples where education was used as a vehicle for political indoctrination, producing a narrative that suited the ruling party’s objectives instead of encouraging serious intellectual inquiry.

Also, it is imperative to acknowledge the pragmatic obstacles associated with the extensive establishment of a communist school system. The distribution of resources, the function of educators, and striking a balance between the rights of the individual and the interests of the group are all difficult issues that require serious thought.

Emphasizing the significance of striking a balance between communal values and individual liberties is essential to addressing the issues surrounding communism in education. In addition to upholding a dedication to social fairness and equality, a successful communist educational system should work to foster critical thinking, intellectual variety, and a sincere desire for knowledge.

Transparency and inclusion are also crucial for developing a communist educational system that stays clear of propaganda’s traps. Instead of just encouraging pupils to follow a predetermined ideology, an educational atmosphere that fosters autonomous and critical thinking can be established via open conversation, respect for differing viewpoints, and a dedication to intellectual freedom.

In conclusion, there are legitimate issues as well as the possible advantages of communism in education. It’s a complicated and varied relationship. Even while communism aims to eliminate socioeconomic inequality, its application in education must be carefully considered to avoid the traps of ideological indoctrination and propaganda.

In a time when education is significant in determining how societies will develop in the future, it is important to investigate how communist ideas may support people’s liberation while upholding the ideals of diversity and intellectual freedom. Realizing the potential advantages of a communist educational system requires striking a balance between individual liberties and social values without compromising the values of critical thinking and intellectual inquiry.

The author is a law student at the Kathmandu School of Law