Literacy, Schooling and Economic Modernization: A Historian’s Approach
Author(s)
Nunez, Clara Eugenia
Abstract
Introduces articles in this journal issue by providing a historian’s approach to the subject of the article’s title, concentrating on the developments in Western Europe. Literacy is considered as a “general skill” rather than as a “specific skill.” It is a general skill in that it helps a person to relate to the environment. It is not a specific skill in that it is only of use in specific situations. Beginning in the 17th century, literacy allowed people to absorb the vast amount of knowledge produced by the growth of science and the Industrial Revolution. Literacy has become vital to economic modernization, which has in turn allowed more people access to education and literacy. The role of the state and the private sector in education is also examined.
