The far-left German Die Linke party has proposed abolishing homework as part of its ideological push to combat social inequality. Party leader Jan van Aken argues that homework augments disparities between students from academic backgrounds and those from lower-income families. “Homework is also a class issue,” van Aken stated.
The proposal, outlined in the party’s “5-Point Plan to Combat Inequality in Education,” asserts that homework reinforces existing social divisions. Co-authored by van Aken and Bavarian Bundestag member Nicole Gohlke, the plan argues that children with educated, supportive parents have a clear advantage over those without access to a conducive learning environment. The plan, however, does not include any thought for those who have good learning environments at home, and how this decision would impact their progress and their grades.
Van Aken insists that learning should take place in schools rather than at home, reducing parental involvement. Die Linke’s strategy aligns with other progressive movements; Berlin’s Green Party has similarly called for the abolition of homework before, arguing that students need time for rest and family.
The latest PISA report by the OECD has revealed a significant decline in the German education standards, with German students performing worse than ever. The study, which assessed 15-year-olds in 81 countries, found that Germany is experiencing its lowest results to date.
