Meaning: Ivan Illich, a well-known sociologist, philosopher, and critic of modern institutions, including education, made the thought-provoking statement, "School divides life into two segments, which are increasingly of comparable length. As much as anything else, schooling implies custodial care for persons who are declared undesirable elsewhere by the simple fact that a school has been built to serve them." This quote encapsulates Illich's critical perspective on the impact of schooling on individuals and society as a whole.

The first part of the quote, "School divides life into two segments, which are increasingly of comparable length," suggests that the structure of formal education creates a clear division between a person's formative years spent in school and their adult life. This division is becoming more pronounced as the duration of formal education, from primary school to higher education, continues to expand. Illich is pointing out that the time spent within the confines of the education system is now comparable in length to the time spent outside of it, leading to a clear demarcation of life into two distinct segments.

The second part of the quote, "As much as anything else, schooling implies custodial care for persons who are declared undesirable elsewhere by the simple fact that a school has been built to serve them," delves into the societal implications of schooling. Illich suggests that the existence of schools serves as a form of custodial care for individuals who may be considered undesirable or marginalized by the broader society. By constructing schools to cater to these individuals, society effectively removes them from mainstream social structures and places them within the confines of the education system.

Illich's critique of the custodial care aspect of schooling raises important questions about the purpose and impact of education. He challenges the notion that schools are purely educational institutions, instead highlighting their role in managing and segregating certain segments of the population. This perspective prompts a reevaluation of the societal functions of education and the implications of confining individuals within an institutionalized system for a significant portion of their lives.

Furthermore, Illich's critique can be seen as a commentary on the broader issues of social inequality and exclusion. By suggesting that schools serve as custodial care for those deemed undesirable elsewhere, he draws attention to the ways in which educational systems can perpetuate and reinforce social divisions. This raises important considerations about access to quality education, the treatment of marginalized groups within the education system, and the broader societal structures that contribute to the marginalization of certain individuals.

In conclusion, Ivan Illich's quote provides a thought-provoking reflection on the impact of schooling on individuals and society. It challenges the traditional view of education as solely an instrument of learning and highlights its role in creating divisions and providing custodial care for marginalized individuals. This quote encourages critical reflection on the societal functions of education and the ways in which educational systems can either perpetuate or challenge social inequalities.