This document examines the contribution of education to cultural development and the relationship between the contemporary cultural scene and educational processes. The first of five sections discusses the existing tensions between the role of the school culture and contemporary culture. The second section describes the demands of tradition and modernity of cultures. The third section presents culture as an element in democratization. The fourth section considers the question of linguistics by educational authorities. The final section suggests the ambiguous roles of multicultural societies and intercultural education. A 22-item bibliography is included. (CK)