Scholars from multiple disciplines have commented on the divided nature of childhood as a historical construction: a period of life to be valued in itself as well as a means to adulthood. In this essay, James Stillwaggon considers George Orwell's "Such, Such Were the Joys," an autobiographical account of his childhood education, as a site of…

The author examines the philosophical bases for the differing opinions of Russell and Bode as to the relative values of education geared toward individual development as opposed to those which concentrate on developing a sense of citizenship or social responsibility. (MJB)

The author disputes key points about John Dewey's views on education and experience made in an article by Donald Vandenberg (Educational Theory, Summer 1980). In particular, Beckett asserts that Dewey's ideal of growth is thoroughly consistent with his view that education is a lifelong process. (PP)