Division of Labour, Class Stratification, and Cognitive Development

Abstract

The significance of higher education and research (HER-system) as re gards class structure is explored. Class has its basis in the production system with its hierarchy based on control of means of production (owner ship) and division of labour. The distribution of knowledge and qualifica tion structure is also important to division of labour, and is dependent on the educational system, especially the HER-system. The control of knowledge is to a large extent collective through organizations and profes sions. Reduction of the vertical division of labour presupposes both a change of ownership through self-management and of the HER-system strengthening knowledge development in the periphery. This is especially pertinent to knowledge of society and social relations. The establishment of professions has implied suppression of peripheral knowledge, e.g. the male culture of professions has suppressed the female culture of repro duction.