Social Value, Children, and the Human Right to Education

Abstract

The social value of educational institutions must be captured by any adequate conceptualization of the human right to education. Society as a whole is benefited by formal education because of its intersection with other social goals like literacy, political engagement, equality, and in particular, good health. In this sense, the social value is importantly aspirational: education provides a place where meaningful political action can occur and is socially valuable as a way to overcome oppression in a society. Including this social value as part of what the human right protects offers distinct advantages for our understanding of children"™s human right to education, as well. It addresses the challenge of conceptualizing how the human right to education is applicable in cases of child poverty and social insecurity. It also provides theoretical resources to address social conflict that results from providing formal schooling, including tension between children and guardians regarding children"™s education.