The Historical Evolution of the Teaching of Comparative Education at Universities Internationally

Abstract

The aim of this article is to investigate the historical evolution of Comparative Education at universities worldwide, as a basis for a critical reflection on its future prospects. Each of the following phases are discussed: a prehistoric phase; phase I: Early years 1900s-1910s; phase II: Classic years: 1920s and 1930s; phase III: Expansion (Western and developing countries) vs. Constriction (East Block) 1950s to mid 1970s; Phase IV: Contraction (Western Europe and North America) vs. Revitalisation (Greece, Eastern Europe and China) mid-1970s to 1990s; and Phase V: Proliferation: 2000s. In conclusion a fourfold strategy for securing and extending Comparative Education’s place at universities is recommended: utilizing the field’s excellent international organizational network, holding onto its place at universities where such exist, placing on the Comparative Education research agenda themes directly and visibly relevant for teacher and for teacher education; and articulation of Comparative Education’s significance, at grassroots and at policy-making levels.