OUTSIDE THE TRADE UNION MOVEMENT

 

unions have defined their tools more clearly. They feel that they must draw
as many workers as possible into educational work, in order to strengthen
their organization. The community groups are not as strongly motivated.
Settlements and group work associations differ from trade unions in empha-
sizing mixed employer-employee units. They are more like church groups
in this respect. They differ from the religious institutions, however, in
that their programs are more clearly defined. The political schools have usually
emphasized classroom work. ‘They realize that by working with a minority
they necessarily are attracting individuals who come prepared for more
serious study. Only as they have expanded their trade union facilities
have they employed more diversified means.

Thus, workers’ education is seen to be a complex movement. Specific func-
tional philosophies have molded different patterns in trade unions, political
parties, and social and cultural groups. The aims and methods are most clearly
defined in the collective bargaining agencies; less so in the other organizations.
In specific places and at certain times, the respective educational programs
merge or supplement each other. In a few instances they may conflict. All,
however, hope for social reform which will come wholly or partially through
an educated working-class.

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