I want to write about this but don't know where to start.... Will get back to it later, would appreciate the thoughts of others.
Edit:
Ok, I've thought about it and come to the realisation that this is again the debate/discussion between capitalism and the rule of market forces vs John Stuart Mills notion of utilitarianism - greatest good for the greatest number.
The current political regime in Australia is very focussed on the great God of Capitalism, without recognising that the rule of market forces must be underpinned by support for those unable (for whatever reason) of supporting themselves.
The 'Poverty Line' is the determination of income below which an individual or family are deemed to live in poverty. Absolute and Relative poverty are also taken into account; these address how many households have low income relative to other households. This is determined by estimating the number of families who cannot provide basic necessities such as food, clothing and housing on a regular basis. The Poverty Gap is the estimated amount of money required to bring those below the poverty line above it. Public education is provided to ensure that all children have access to a given standard of education. The standards are determined to facilitate particular levels of numeracy and literacy; however education within the school system is supplemented by familial and parental expectations. Funding is provided on the basis of geographical economics and student numbers. The federal governments push towards turning education into a self funding business began with the universities and is working its way down to primary and secondary schools. They continue to fund (out of proportion) the private schools by waving the 'choice' banner; the public education system is being eroded of the broader range of students with their concomitant parental expectations. In short, those who can afford the 'better' education supposedly provided by the private system, tend to be those with higher expectations of their children. Leaving the public schools poorly funded and populated by students who may not have the same expectations of excellence and parental support provided beyond school borders. While this may seem a gross generalisation, we are seeing it clearly in South Australian primary schools. It costs the same amount to educate a child through primary school regardless of whether the school is public or private – the difference is the amount paid by the parent/s and the amount of federal funding. The 3 local private primary schools receive more government funding than the public primaries; and in conjunction with parental expectations that 'you get what you pay for' the private schools are expanding while the public schools are shrinking. I don't have an answer, but the rise of capitalism (regardless of cost) is joining a loss of community – and so begins the downfall of civilisation – thoughts of self above all else. I would like to see more support for public education (I’m publically edumacated myself and I reckon I'm doin' alrite) but lacking any federal leadership in this area I shall watch the situation with increasing cynicism. |
