Expectations on Leadership of Democratic Education in Policy Documents

• In Event: 35.053 - Democratic Citizenship Education Around the World: Learning From an International Perspective

Abstract

The Nordic school systems have, for years, been hallmarked by democratic education. Whether democratic ideas of schooling are challenged by competition and accountability remains an empirical question. This paper illustrates the question by focusing on the construction of leadership of democratic education in four Norwegian White Papers. The purpose is to provide insight into how democratic education is constructed, framed, and legitimized in key education policy documents during years with shifting governments. The analytical framework consists of a threefold classification of democratic education. The methodology consists of a discursive approach to the analysis, coding, and examination of connections in the text. Findings suggest a shift of framings in the expectations to leadership, as well as a discursive struggle.

Authors

• Eivind Larsen, University of Oslo

• Ruth Jensen, University of Oslo