Echoes of nineteen eighty-four: Is our education system becoming more controlling?

Abstract

In an era marked by heightened surveillance and control, George Orwell’s Nineteen Eighty-Four has regained global relevance, particularly in its critique of totalitarian regimes and their impact on education. This paper explores the parallels between Orwell’s dystopian vision and contemporary education systems, questioning whether totalitarian frameworks can foster 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity. Orwell’s Oceania exemplifies an education system designed for indoctrination, suppressing independent thought through tools like Newspeak and Doublethink, while modern education aims to empower individuals with adaptability and innovation. The study contrasts these opposing paradigms, highlighting how excessive control, standardized testing, and restricted information access in today’s schools may inadvertently mirror Orwellian mechanisms, stifling the very skills needed for a dynamic world. By analysing the flaws in both systems, the paper underscores the importance of resisting educational practices that prioritize conformity over intellectual growth. Ultimately, it calls for reforms to ensure education remains a tool for enlightenment rather than control, preparing students to navigate and shape an interconnected, rapidly evolving society.