A great American educationist, Dewey, commented that education is significant only when it aims at some vocation or employment. In the present age, some educational qualification is needed for almost all jobs. As a result, very extensive educational qualifications are important for good jobs which carry giant salaries. Economic independence is essential in the present-day world, and for this reason, parents are determined to educate their children so that they can become economically independent. And there can be no reason for denying this. In the case of developing countries like India, technical and professional education has great demand in their society. If the investments made in education do not help in the economic advancement of the country, such expenditure cannot be justified. Every young man is suffering for this bread. If his education does not prepare him for earning, there will be a question of such an education system. No educationist can ignore the vocational feature of education. In India, the earning of one’s livelihood is not just an economic requirement, but a spiritual responsibility.
Advantages
It is clear from the above explanation that the vocational objective of education is an essential thing and has some advantages such as-
1. Solution of economic problems: India is today facing various problems such as unemployment, poverty, famine, etc. Our economic problems are our greatest difficulties. On the other hand, many countries accept the vocational aspect of education, and they are self-dependent and prosperous. They appreciate great respect and power in the world. Hence, technical and vocational training is of the greatest importance and such training can assist to solve the economic problems of any country.
2. Dynamism: It is the main activity that applies to the vocational goal of education. Dewey has commented that education imparted in his way makes use of the child’s tendencies and habits, pays attention to their interests, and awakens their minds. It examines the mind, excites intelligence, and puts an end to tiredness and inactivity.
3. Moral, intellectual, and cultural development: As far as the vocational aspect of education is concerned, it is connected with earning money. As a result, one can expect a high moral, intellectual, and cultural level from an educated scholar. If the educated individual fails to win economic independence, he tends to be immoral in his behavior, degenerate in his intellectuality, and indifferent to the arts and sciences.
Limitations
Because of these advantages of vocational objectives, most educationists in India are in favor of it. Efforts are being made to enlarge the facilities for technical and professional education in the country. Though Mahatma Gandhi suggested the aim of education is to make the individual financially independent. But if earning one’s bread is considered the sole aim of education, it leads to many difficulties. The major ones are the following:
1. Absence of liberal education: Liberal education shows an important part in the individual’s development since it is responsible for his intelligence and cultural development.
2. One-sided attitude: Although vocational guidance and professional training are formed of economic independence. Additionally, it cannot be ignored that education must be responsible for the individual’s character development, spiritual development, development of his personality, etc. If education objectives are only on professional ability, it denotes a one-sided approach.
3. Materialism: If education has job-related ability, it becomes materialistic, at the cost of religious, moral, and intellectual values. Materialism also leads to an increase in self-interest, violence, and cut-throat competition which are detrimental to society and individuals both.
It is clear from the foregoing discussion that the vocational objective of education is important. This type of education's sole aim is considered earning.
References: Sociology of Education by S.S. Chandra & R. K. Sharma
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