The Brazilian Homeschooling Coalition: Beliefs Based on the Advocacy Coalition Framework

• In Event: Parent Voice and Student (Dis)Empowerment in School Choice Processes

Abstract

In this study, we investigate the deep beliefs held by the homeschooling coalition in Brazil. Based on the literature on neoliberalism and the advocacy coalition framework, we performed content analysis to analyze documents and materials with the potential to present the founding beliefs. The results indicate that the coalition’s beliefs are supported by three pillars that are strongly related to neoliberalism: freedom, family and accountability. We have identified that homeschooling leads to the exaltation of individual and unrestricted freedom, to the promotion of the traditional family and to the transfer of responsibility. We therefore conclude that these beliefs are contrary to the public nature of education in Brazil and to the recognition of children and adolescents as subjects with rights.

Authors

• Helce Amanda de Oliveira Moreira, Pontifical Catholic University at Rio de Janeiro

• Pedro Pinheiro Teixeira, Pontifical Catholic University at Rio de Janeiro