著者

シム チュン キャット

出版者

日本教育社会学会

雑誌

教育社会学研究 (ISSN:03873145)

巻号頁・発行日

vol.76, pp.169-186, 2005-05-30

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This paper compares the characteristics of meritocracy in the Japanese and Singapore education systems, by analyzing the input, throughput and output of education at post-secondary schools with low prestige. Based on survey data gathered from students studying at low-ranked post-secondary schools in both Japan and Singapore, this study first illustrates the fact that most students from these schools belong to low social strata and have low academic achievement. However, as Singapore schools provide low-performing students with access to not only good jobs but also to higher education, Singapore students who are given such double chances show more positive attitudes and expectations upon admission to these schools, when compared to their Japanese counterparts who are given no such chances at all. Data from the survey also bring up an image of lively schools in Singapore, with interesting lessons and competent teachers, who emphasize the importance of study and encourage students to perform well. Japanese schools, however, are dull, with none of these features. This study further demonstrates that while the aspirations of students in Singapore are increased during their course of study, those of Japanese students remain low throughout. Nevertheless, some Japanese students from low-ranked schools also do spend time on study, and the more they find their lessons interesting or their teachers competent, the longer they study. It is thus concluded that while Japanese students are 'left out' to fend for themselves, the output of their education can be maximized by enriching the throughput at schools. To date, many research findings have indicated a decline in meritocracy and an expansion of inequity in Japanese society, but few have ventured into the epicenter of the issue, i.e., schools with students who are poor and who do not study. This comparative study shows the plight of low-ranked Japanese schools and advocates the urgent need for more research and reform efforts.