Introduction
Ivan Illich was a famous philosopher and social critic who gave radical ideas about the education system. In his well-known book, Deschooling Society (1971), he argued that the traditional school system does more harm than good. He believed that schools often limit real learning and freedom. Instead of helping people become creative and independent, schools turn them into followers. In this answer, we will explain Illich’s views on education in simple language and understand what he meant by “deschooling society.”
Meaning of Deschooling Society
Deschooling society means removing the idea that formal schools are the only place to learn. Illich said that learning can happen anywhere—in homes, workplaces, markets, and even on the streets. He believed that when learning becomes only about passing exams and getting certificates, it loses its real purpose.
According to Illich, deschooling is not about stopping education. It is about changing how we think about education. It means giving people the freedom to learn in their own way, at their own pace, and in ways that are meaningful to them.
Criticism of Formal Schooling
Illich had many criticisms of the modern school system. He believed that schools create a system where people are ranked, judged, and divided. Below are some of the main problems he pointed out:
- Certification over Learning: Schools focus too much on certificates and degrees. People start thinking that if you don’t have a degree, you are not educated—even if you have good knowledge and skills.
- Passive Learning: In schools, students are expected to sit quietly and listen. There is little room for creativity or questioning. Illich believed that this makes students dependent instead of independent thinkers.
- Inequality: The school system favors rich and urban students. In countries like India, poor children often drop out due to lack of resources. Schools make the gap between rich and poor even wider.
- Hidden Curriculum: Illich also pointed out that schools teach obedience and conformity. This means students are trained to follow rules blindly rather than think for themselves. This benefits the powerful in society.
Learning Networks as an Alternative
Illich did not just criticize schools. He also gave ideas for alternative ways to learn. He talked about creating “learning webs” or “learning networks.” These are systems where people can connect with others who have the knowledge or skills they want to learn.
For example, if a child wants to learn how to fix a bicycle, he can find someone in his community who can teach him. There is no need to sit in a classroom for that. Illich imagined a society where libraries, community centers, online platforms, and public spaces would become places for learning.
This idea is very relevant today, especially with the rise of the internet. Websites like YouTube, Khan Academy, and Coursera allow people to learn new things without going to school. In India, government platforms like SWAYAM and DIKSHA are also helping students learn outside traditional classrooms.
Freedom in Education
Illich believed that people should be free to choose what, how, when, and from whom they want to learn. He was against the idea that only schools and teachers know what is best for students. He supported learner-driven education.
In his view, true education should be voluntary and based on curiosity. Children should explore subjects they are interested in, instead of being forced to study a fixed syllabus. He wanted to return the control of learning to the learner, not the institution.
Relevance in the Indian Context
Illich’s ideas are important for India. Many children in rural and tribal areas do not have access to quality schools. Also, the pressure of exams and rote learning makes education stressful for many students. Deschooling, as Illich described, promotes learning through real experiences, community involvement, and local resources.
In India, the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 also talks about flexible learning, vocational training, and making education more child-friendly. These ideas are similar to what Illich suggested.
Criticism of Illich’s Ideas
While Illich’s ideas are bold and inspiring, they also have some problems. For example:
- Without schools, poor children may never get a chance to learn because they lack family or community support.
- Not all learning can happen informally. Subjects like science, mathematics, or medicine require structured training and expert guidance.
- In today’s job market, certificates and degrees are still important for employment.
So, a completely deschooled society may not be practical, but Illich’s ideas do encourage us to make the system more flexible and meaningful.
Conclusion
Ivan Illich’s perspective in Deschooling Society offers a fresh way of thinking about education. He believed that real learning happens through life experiences and that schools should not be the only place for gaining knowledge. His ideas remind us to focus on creativity, freedom, and learning for life, not just for exams. While we cannot fully remove schools, we can certainly make them more learner-friendly and less rigid. In India, where education is still growing, Illich’s views can help us build a system that is more inclusive, flexible, and student-centered.