The Public Opinion on Educational Qualities in Postpolitical Times: International Comparisons in Welfare State Governance

• In Event: Roundtable Session 56
  In Roundtable Session: Rethinking Curriculum in Nation-States

Abstract

The case is a Nordic welfare state where governing by means of international comparisons (IC) is very important. Which educational qualities are emphasized in this “post-political” way of governing? We analyzed conceptions among citizens – to what extent is the opinion accepting governing by means of IC. We turned to a national sample of citizens (n= 1636 respondents). The opinion was divided. A large share trusted in IC and another large share did not accept their relevance. This split was related to differences in terms of gender, social position and educational level. Thus, there is no general acceptance of IC and their relevance. IC is problematic to treat as a quick fix to determine educational ambitions or strategies for educational improvement.

Authors

• Sverker S:son Lindblad, University of Gothenburg

• Lennart Nilsson, University of Gothenburg

• Mårten Lindblad, Acando