Die probleem van religieuse/godsdienstige pluralisme en die moontlike hantering daarvan in die openbare onderwys

Abstract

The problem of the existence of a multitude of religions (and cultures) within the borders of one and the same country occurs world-wide and many systems of education have been designed to handle the problem as fairly as possible. Some of the approaches traditionally applied in public education in addressing this problem arc briefly discussed and it is concluded that none of these approaches is in fact fair to all religious groups or can be successfully defended on fundamental grounds. Another approach to (he problem, viz. differentiation in education (schooling) on the basis of religious conviction and life-view (cosmoscope), is presented as a more suitable solution to the problem, and is then outlined in some detail. A basic premise of this approach is to present all users of schooling, and therefore all religious groups in a specific country’, with the advantages of private parent-teacher-controlled schools while, on the other hand, not burdening the parents with the financial implications of private education. Th is approach amounts to a system of private education and schooling within the structures of public education.