The Spectrum of Participation and Citizenship in Chile: Divergent Legislation in a Neoliberal Context

• In Event: Beyond (Neo)Liberalism in Education Policy and Practice: Creating New Democratic Possibilities

Abstract

Purpose: Participation is critical in any society, nonetheless, the spaces for its expression may vary. We examine how citizenship has been encouraged by educative legislation in the Chilean school system.
Design/Methodology/Approach: Content analysis of educative policies.
Findings: Legislation promotes participative bodies, but these tend to lack the power to exert meaningful influence. The framework's impact is even cruder for private institutions for which the laws serve to consolidate their autonomy.
Limitations: This research has been conducted in Chile, limiting its reach to this context.
Originality/value: Chile has been described as an example of economic development but at the cost of high inequality. Hence the examination of legal frameworks sheds light on their alignment with citizenship and participation in educational contexts.

Author

• Francisca Alvarez-Figueroa, The University of Manchester