This paper presents a broad overview of the concepts of uniformity and diversity as issues in the development of public education systems in industrialized nations. First, the historical emergence of these issues is discussed. Various approaches to the two issues since the 19th century are summarized and reviewed, and efforts to develop appropriate curricula are highlighted. Next, several contemporary views are analyzed, including those of Adler's "Paideia Proposal" and Goodlad's "A Study of Schooling." Finally, educational systems and curricula currently in place in Israel, the Federal Republic of Germany, Sweden, and the United States are discussed and used as the basis of a more general analysis of the two key terms. (KH)