Freedom, Democracy and Self-Government

The Progressive Case of J.H. Simpson

Bibliographic Data

ID21409497
AuthorsJohn Howlett (Keele University, corresponding author)
Year2024
Volume53
Issue2
Pages300-319
Publication date2024-03-03
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueHistory of Education (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0046-760X • E-ISSN: 1464-5130
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/0046760x.2023.2220309
OpenAlexW4391485600
LanguageEN
References cited12

This paper has as its focus the life and thinking of the educational theorist and schoolmaster J. H. Simpson (1883–1959), who was not only a reforming teacher at Rugby School but was also the first headmaster of the progressive Rendcomb College. His ideas around education were outlined in a number of books. At the heart of his thinking lay concerns around democracy and self-government and the article explores how these were enacted at various points of Simpson’s life with a particular focus upon his work until 1932. Attention will be paid to how his thinking evolved, moving from simple democracy in the classroom to wider decision-making within an entire school. Linked to these concerns were a number of curricular initiatives that sought to offer a point of contrast to more traditional public schools. The article will conclude by attempting to offer consideration of the legacy of Simpson’s ideas

Democracy · Government (linguistics) · Political economy · Political science · Politics · Progressive Education · Sociology · Law · Philosophy · Political Theory and Influence · Public Administration

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