Formal education for elites first came into being in:
neo-urban societies.
preindustrial societies.
urban societies.
industrial societies.
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is preindustrial societies.
In preindustrial societies, formal education for elites emerged as a means of ensuring the transmission of specialized knowledge, cultural practices, and political power across generations. These early forms of education were largely restricted to the privileged class, including royalty, nobility, and religious leaders. The aim of education during this period was not necessarily to foster widespread literacy or practical skills but to maintain the hierarchical structure and the elite’s hold on power and influence.
In ancient civilizations such as Mesopotamia, Egypt, China, and Greece, education for the elite was often centered around religious texts, military strategies, governance, and philosophy. In these societies, scribes, priests, and philosophers were typically the ones who received formal education, which was often private and expensive. The instruction took place in temples or royal courts, and learning was often oral, focusing on memorization and recitation.
In many cases, education was linked to religion, as religious institutions were often the only ones with the resources and the authority to provide formal schooling. This was particularly evident in medieval Europe, where the Catholic Church played a central role in the education of the elite, often training future clergy, rulers, and bureaucrats. Monasteries and cathedral schools became the centers of learning, and many of the educated elite were prepared for positions of leadership within the church or state.
As societies moved toward industrialization, education began to become more accessible to a broader segment of the population, shifting from a system that primarily served the elite to one that included the rising middle class. However, the origins of formal education for elites are rooted in the preindustrial era, as these systems laid the foundation for the education systems we recognize today.