When discussing my eldest son’s problematic schooling history in terms of what I could have done, he very emphatically told me that he wouldn’t have been able to stand being homeschooled by me despite some unhappiness in preschools and schools. There are some parent/child dynamics which are too volatile for such an intimate day-to-day schooling. Of course, as you mention. some people manage to homeschool through a community and I imagine that would be a much better solution. Still, as much as I felt at times – with both my sons – that I just wanted to take them out (and home was the only other option), I can see how their essential their socialisation has been since we can’t hand-pick educators or peers at university, in our jobs, etc. I imagine successful homeschoolers would have their own success story, and the situation really isn’t a one-size-fits-all thing; so many factors involved.

When you say you can’t put your finger on why you’re uncomfortable with what Illich postulates, do you think it’s because he seems politically motivated way more than he is education motivated? I know that education/pedagogy is political, but maybe his agenda is more political than we’re comfortable with? As you point out. why wouldn’t we support state health care? He’s a bit of a purist. It’s not realistic for me in the present day.