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If you asked anyone today when given this question, they would say education is a right. But if you asked someone during the American Revolutionary war, they would say education is a privilege. The biggest difference between the periods is that education is widespread and thoroughly enjoyed by everyone in this world. With the helpful invention of technology, more structured governments, and easy communication, we can’t imagine today without being able to read. Almost everyone takes it for granted. Many public schools even have high dropout rates because the students think school is a chore, not an opportunity. Our day-to-day activities rely on basic literacy and mathematical skills, so what if no one got an education? Education is a privilege, despite arguments made to make it a natural right because we could still live without education. By saying it is a right, it means humans can’t live without it. But in the 1700s, the literacy rate was only about 50%, the other half of the population managed without it.
First, let’s clarify the difference between a right and privilege. A privilege is something earned, entitled by certain circ*mstances. A right is an inherent entitlement from birth; you’re just supposed to have it. An example of a right would be found in one of America’s most celebrated documents; the Constitution. The founding fathers considered life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness inalienable rights granted by God that the government must protect. Do you see the word education? It wasn’t considered a right because it was unimportant in the grand scheme of things. Education was optional, certainly had its benefits, but it was a privilege. You either had to be born into a rich family, or work for it, but you could still live without it. Today, it is a constitutional right, but not necessarily a natural right. Think about the difference between the types of rights. Is natural right the same as a constitutional right?
When I was younger, reading was something I looked forward to. Education was exciting, even inspiring and I used to wake up earlier than my parents to go to school. Nowadays, teachers have a hard time even getting their students to read an assigned book. Any high school student can relate to the pain of waking up for school. The way school is perceived is forced. We are so used to the idea that education has to be given to us; we have the right to refuse since it is offered without fail. People forget that education wasn’t always available because we feel that it is obligated that the government offers it to us.
I cannot emphasize enough that education is a privilege. We have cultures around the world that refuse to educate others. The phrase “knowledge is power” has never held more true in today’s society. If education truly was a human right for everybody, then why are 14% of the population illiterate today? Maybe in developed countries such as America and the UK, receiving an education is not a struggle, but others have to fight for it. The concept of education comes from humans receiving knowledge. And even though knowledge is not necessary, it is incredibly helpful. As Nelson Mandela says, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
FAQs
Education is a privilege, despite arguments made to make it a natural right because we could still live without education. By saying it is a right, it means humans can't live without it. But in the 1700s, the literacy rate was only about 50%, the other half of the population managed without it.
Is getting a college education a right or a privilege in the United States? ›
Acceptance requires more than just a high GPA or stellar grades. Because of these “requirements” to obtain a college degree, a college education is a privilege. Overall, not all students have the financial means to attend college; they need to work hard and put forth an effort to achieve their educational goals.
How is the right to education being violated? ›
Attacks on education occur around the world, both inside and outside of situations of armed conflict. In many regions, armed groups intentionally target schools, teachers, and students. In addition to putting children at risk of injury or death, such attacks can thwart students' chance to get an education.
What does privilege not a right mean? ›
A right is something that cannot be legally denied, such as the rights to free speech, press, religion, and raising a family. A privilege is something that can be given and taken away and is considered to be a special advantage or opportunity that is available only to certain people.
Do you believe that education is a privilege or a right? ›
It is true to say that education not only gives people a good job but also improves their own country's industries. On the other hand, education will be considered a privilege for those who have limited opportunities to gain access and struggling of paying for their life as well.
Why shouldn't education be taken for granted? ›
It's the groundwork on which all great achievements are made, and it fosters positive change in the world. The great Greek historian Xenophon once said, “If you consider what are called the virtues in mankind, you will find their growth is assisted by education and cultivation.”
What is an example of privilege in education? ›
Privilege in the classroom can take many forms and could include the physical environment, the information and displays on your walls and corridors, the way the curriculum is constructed and delivered.
How does privilege affect education? ›
Privileged students perceive “being smart” as something you achieve and not a journey. Since they have often been told they are smart, they can misinterpret “smart” as their being “finished”; being challenged to learn more or, especially, to re-think their learning is perceived as an attack on their Selves.
Should college education in the United States be considered a constitutional right? ›
While education may not be a "fundamental right" under the Constitution, the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment requires that when a state establishes a public school system (as in Texas), no child living in that state may be denied equal access to schooling.
Does the Constitution say education is a right? ›
As of 2021, the U.S. Constitution and its amendments do not specifically mention education, which is why (per the Tenth Amendment) the states are in charge of providing and regulating schooling. A federal right to education could be added to the Constitution via ratifying a new amendment.
The right to an education is guaranteed by international law in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
What is an ethical violation in education? ›
- Violation 1 (obligation to the public): used institutional privileges for personal gain or. advantage. - Violation 2 (obligation to the profession): failed to maintain honesty in all professional.
What is a quote about rights and privilege? ›
Being on a team is a privilege, not a right. You give up the right to be selfish, mediocre, and uninterested when others depend on you.
What is an example of a privilege right? ›
To have a privilege means that one is free to act (or not act) as they wish, but this freedom is unprotected. This means that it doesn't entail corresponding duties. For example, if you have a driver's license, you have the privilege of being allowed to drive.
What is the difference between a right and a privilege? ›
Rights—claims that generate correlative duties in other persons or institutions—are contrasted with privileges (also called liberties or freedoms). To have a privilege means that one is free to act (or not act) as they wish, but this freedom is unprotected. This means that it doesn't entail corresponding duties.
Is the right to education a legal right? ›
Education is a fundamental right under the California Constitution. The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that there is no fundamental right to education under the federal Constitution. Article IX, Section 1 of the California Constitution recognizes that “[a] general diffusion of knowledge and intelligence [is] . . .
Is having an education a right? ›
Your Child has the Right to a Free Public Education
All children in California: Have the right to a free public education. Must be enrolled in school if they are between 6 and 18 years old. Have the right to attend safe, secure, and peaceful schools.
Is education a protected right? ›
In 1973's San Antonio Independent School District v. Rodriguez, the Supreme Court found that education is not explicitly protected under the U.S. Constitution, and its precedent has remained unchallenged at the Supreme Court for over 30 years.
