Stephanie A.

Barbee OMDE 606 9042 September 30, 2013 Assignment 1 Review of Greville Rumbles Social justice, economics, and distance education Introduction Throughout the last few decades there have been many different approaches to distance education, but the reason has always been the same: to increase the accessibility of education. In an article titled Social justice, economics, and distance education, author Greville Rumble argues that distance education is a cost-effective way to provide access to education, especially to those who are deemed underprivileged by society. Based on the theories and ideals of Ted Honderich, Rumble explains that education plays an important role in determining whether a person has a good life or bad life. By examining both the egalitarian and libertarian societal positions, Rumble explains that by taking a libertarian position society is essentially abandoning those people outside of the upper-classes of society. While there are some weaknesses to this article, Rumble is able to convey the main ideas central to his position in a straightforward manner. His concepts are both detailed and informative, providing the reader with no doubt as to where his values and stance lie. Emotionally driven with substantiated support, Rumble addresses the issue of distance education from a socially-based perspective that is both intriguing and relevant. Discussion

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Rumble begins his article with the reemergence of distance education in the 1960s and 1970s, focusing on the societal impacts and reactions from liberals. The 1960s introduction of mass-media technologies resulted in a collective belief that education should be provided to all, as stated by the human capital theory and modernization theory. Unfortunately, libertarian efforts to reduce government expenditure while simultaneously increasing consumer choice have led to a gradual transfer of costs from government to students, benefiting those who are rich (2007, p. 170). Ultimately, Rumble explains that libertarian efforts have disrupted the forward progress of distance education, citing their arguments which include using charity as funding, leaving the responsibility to the states or individuals, and equality of opportunity. Rumble provides the reader with statistics showing that the poorest of people actually take in less of the countrys total income than the rich, and the numbers are outrageously inequitable from country to country. Overall, Rumble argues that liberalism is compressing ideals that could help promote the argument for distance education. He also states that increases in the population over the next few decades will only result in a higher demand for educational opportunities, and distance education can potentially prevent dramatic increases in undereducated, poverty-stricken citizens. Rumble clearly defines his purpose of writing the article, and provides a sufficient amount of supporting evidence for distance education being a solution for social injustices and the economy. Well-written, understandable, and thorough, Rumble provides readers with an article that is both intriguing and well-substantiated. In addition, he supports each of his points with convincing explanations and verifiable information, beginning his article with background information and closing with a restated purpose. While the article has many strengths, there are some issues regarding this article that were apparent. Most obvious of the articles weaknesses is the overwhelming amount of biased material. While this article is presented as a debate,

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Rumble failed to adequately present the ideas and theories behind the opposing view. Even in a argumentative or persuasive paper, the reader demands a certain amount of information about both sides, in order to determine their own position and draw their own conclusions. Unfortunately, the balance of this article is extremely one-sided. Additionally, the author utilized very few outside resources that could help to solidify his argument. Rumble uses the majority of his outside sources from Honderich and Rawls, with very little statistical information to back up his claims. As a whole, this article could undoubtedly benefit from additional viewpoints, in addition to graphs or charts to support the statistical information that is included in the article. In this article Rumble takes a clear stance regarding his respective value that shapes both his position and the argument he conveys. Essentially, the position Rumble takes is that education should be available equally, and that a libertarian stance on this issue is one that supports the wealthy while further subduing the poor. The emotion Rumble places into this article represents his personal values and the stance he takes in support of education for all. By presenting readers with good life and bad life, he is exacting emotion from the audience and drawing them into the core of his argument. For example, Rumble explains that education is essentially part of the overall negative living conditions that people with bad lives must contend with, and that libertarian positions encourage complicity with a morality that allows such negative living conditions to continue (2007, p. 173). This statement obviously appeals to a persons emotions, and serves as a way to convince the reader of his values and stance. Overall, I feel that the authors respective values stance is in favor of the less fortunate, and he is striving to offer a possible solution where education is available to all people, not just the

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wealthy. He feels that education will improve upon a persons life, providing them with a good life instead of a bad life. Conclusion Rumble presents a compelling perspective regarding distance education and libertarian pressures. While the article is biased and lacking a variety of resources to support his claims, it does provide readers with a general overview of this debate and how it effects distance education. As Rumble states, with the world population forecast to grow from just over 6.5 billion in 2006 to over 9.4 billion in 2050, education is set to become an even bigger business than it is already (2007, p. 175). With that said, he feels his proposition is the most efficient way of providing education to the underprivileged, while also providing access to education where there once was none. It is clear that Rumble avoids providing adequate explanations regarding the libertarian perspective. However, he does address the main points of both sides and provides the reader with a clear understanding of this controversial debate.

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Works Cited Rumble, G. (2007). Social justice, economics and distance education. Open Learning, 22(2), 167-176. doi: 10.1080/02680510701306715