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Editorial
May 27, 1939
The Omaha Guide
Omaha, Douglas County, Nebraska
What is this article about?
Dr. T. Earl Sullenger, University of Omaha sociology professor, argues modern education creates leadership scarcity by equalizing abilities, proposes specialized training as solution, warns of demagogue risks in crises.
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Full Text
THE SAME SCORE OF ABILITY EDUCATION DID IT
By Dr. T. Sullenger
A belief that modern education may be responsible for what he terms "a scarcity of leaders" was expressed today by Dr T. Earl Sullenger, professor of sociology at the University of Omaha.
At the same time, the sociologist proposed "more education" as an antidote to the problem which he claims has been brought on by education.
Dr. Sullenger asserted that equal educational opportunities have ironed out many differences in ability, and that the masses of men and women have been elevated to approximately the same level of ability. Consequently, the problem of securing leadership has been made more difficult,
"It seems to me the only solution is more education that is, specific training for leadership."
The University of Omaha professor said that the fields of community service, social work, industry and other related activities lack a sufficient number of leaders.
"Before the benefits of a general education had become available to all people, a few individuals stood head and shoulders above the rest. These few were accepted as leaders by the others
"Today education has had the effect of levelling off these differences in leadership ability. Moreover, the mad rush of activities, the many demands upon the individual's time have made many capable persons shun responsibility."
The "scarcity of leadership" may be particularly dangerous in times of crisis, Dr. Sullenger declared, because it offers opportunities for a power-ambitious demagogue to exploit the popular demand for leadership and make himself "The Leader."
By Dr. T. Sullenger
A belief that modern education may be responsible for what he terms "a scarcity of leaders" was expressed today by Dr T. Earl Sullenger, professor of sociology at the University of Omaha.
At the same time, the sociologist proposed "more education" as an antidote to the problem which he claims has been brought on by education.
Dr. Sullenger asserted that equal educational opportunities have ironed out many differences in ability, and that the masses of men and women have been elevated to approximately the same level of ability. Consequently, the problem of securing leadership has been made more difficult,
"It seems to me the only solution is more education that is, specific training for leadership."
The University of Omaha professor said that the fields of community service, social work, industry and other related activities lack a sufficient number of leaders.
"Before the benefits of a general education had become available to all people, a few individuals stood head and shoulders above the rest. These few were accepted as leaders by the others
"Today education has had the effect of levelling off these differences in leadership ability. Moreover, the mad rush of activities, the many demands upon the individual's time have made many capable persons shun responsibility."
The "scarcity of leadership" may be particularly dangerous in times of crisis, Dr. Sullenger declared, because it offers opportunities for a power-ambitious demagogue to exploit the popular demand for leadership and make himself "The Leader."
What sub-type of article is it?
Education
Social Reform
What keywords are associated?
Leadership Scarcity
Education Reform
Equal Opportunities
Leadership Training
Demagogue Risk
Sociology Professor
What entities or persons were involved?
Dr. T. Earl Sullenger
University Of Omaha
Editorial Details
Primary Topic
Scarcity Of Leaders Due To Equal Educational Opportunities
Stance / Tone
Critical Of Education's Leveling Effect, Advocates Specific Leadership Training
Key Figures
Dr. T. Earl Sullenger
University Of Omaha
Key Arguments
Modern Education Causes Scarcity Of Leaders By Equalizing Abilities
Equal Opportunities Elevate Masses To Same Level, Making Leadership Selection Harder
Solution Is More Specific Education For Leadership Training
Fields Like Community Service, Social Work, Industry Lack Leaders
Pre Education, Few Stood Out As Natural Leaders
Modern Rush Of Activities Makes Capable People Avoid Responsibility
Scarcity Dangerous In Crises, Invites Demagogues