A debate has been in existence as to whether political education—or indeed political argument of any kind—should be kept out of the classroom. There are those who argue that political education is synonymous with indoctrination and others who suggest that education is by its nature political. For those who agree that there should be a distinct political aspect of the curriculum which instils political knowledge and awareness, there is of course the question of where the emphasis should be placed. How is it possible to achieve any kind of balance? First published in 1989, Political Education analyses the debate about the introduction of courses in political education to secondary, tertiary, and adult education as well as to youth work. It also examines the introduction of an element of political education to specific subjects. It puts forward an argument for political education and discusses what it should consist of and how it should be undertaken. This book will be of interest to students and researchers of education.

Robert Brownhill, at the time of the first publication, was lecturer in the Department of Educational Studies, University of Surrey, UK.

Patricia Smart, at the time of the first publication, was lecturer in the Department of Educational Studies, University of Surrey, UK.