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This paper considers the recent development within political science of an interest in education problems and in the political functions and political aspects of education processes and institutions in societies. The paper further provides an exploratory account of some of the connections between formal education and political life in Australia. (Author)

The papers presented in this volume were prepared for the ninth national conference of the Australian Association of Adult Education. The Conference was mainly a gathering of professional adult educators from Australian departments and institutions created for the purposes of adult education. The education of adults on a voluntary basis and without provision of qualifications is as yet a very minor social institution within Australian society. It is an institution which responds to a wide range of other more dominant social institutions, such as the political system. It is particularly in the political sense that all the papers which are included have relevance for teachers in whatever setting they work. (Author/CK)

The politics of education is a new field of research specialization both in education and in political science. As with any new field, the politics of education faces a number of problems. On the other hand, it shows promise of being able to make important contributions both in increasing our understanding of educational and political systems and in providing substantial help in tackling current pressing educational problems. The aim of this paper is to describe briefly the development of the politics of education to date, to note some of the main literature that has been produced, particularly in the United States and in Australia, and to discuss some of the problems the politics of education faces and some of the possibilities it offers. A substantial bibliography is included. (Author)