‘Radical’ and ‘respectable’ traditions in Scottish adult education: The divergent pathways of John Maclean (1879–1923) and William Boyd (1874–1962)

Abstract

This paper uses the personal histories of two men, born in the same decade and both involved in the field of adult education in Scotland, to illustrate contrasting responses to the social and political changes taking place in the early 20th century. In methodological terms, it draws on recent writing on the relationship between biography and history. Both men came from working class backgrounds, attended Glasgow University and considered becoming church ministers. But both retreated from a religious vocation, one retaining his faith, the other rejecting it completely and replacing it with political ideology. Their very different types of involvement in adult education are described and analysed, noting in particular their opposing views on the Workers' Educational Association. Possible reasons for their divergent pathways are explored in the final section. How much can be attributed to family background, individual psychology, networks of associates, attitudes to existing institutions, and a desire to promote greater social justice? How successful were their efforts to encourage community development (in one case) and class consciousness (in the other)? Why has one become a folk hero of the political left while the other, notwithstanding a strong public profile during his lifetime and a distinguished academic career which gained him international recognition, has been consigned to historical footnotes? While no

Learning from the past: An historical perspective on indoctrination and citizenship

“…Although Maclean's main educational contribution was in the field of adult education (Humes, 2018; Young, 1988), he was supportive of the work of SSSs and his personal intellectual journey is relevant to the present study. Intending initially to become a Minister of the Free Church of Scotland, he switched to primary teaching and attended Glasgow University part-time to gain a degree.…”