The Goose-step: A Study of American Education

"The Goose-step: A Study of American Education" by Upton Sinclair is a thought-provoking critique of American education at the start of the 1900s. The book analyzes the structure of American colleges and universities and expresses concerns that they cater to the elite instead of benefiting all citizens. Throughout the story, Sinclair points out how the education system influences students' thinking, bringing up questions about the honesty and goals of college education in the U.S. The book begins by presenting the central idea and continues with a sharp review of the current education model. Sinclair describes a typical school day for a boy, explaining how strict and sometimes pointless schooling can be. Sinclair points out that this focus on following rules stops students from thinking for themselves. Sinclair uses humorous personal stories to show the poor teaching methods of the time, suggesting that the aim of American education is to create respectful citizens instead of smart, well-informed people. This personal story soon grows into a broader social commentary where it indicates that the educational structure exists to serve interests of the wealthy, preparing readers for an analysis of universities and leadership.