Sociological Systems Theory (Niklas Luhmann) in Comparative Education

• In Event: A future for systems approaches in education? Part 1: Systems approaches in education research

Proposal

The presentation deals with “externalization,” a the key concept of sociological systems theory and applies it to explain reception and translation of global education policies. Sociological systems theory has been introduced into comparative education by several European scholars, including the presenter, in an attempt to better explain, why, when and how education systems resort to (quasi) external pressure (e.g., by globalization) on the system to justify domestic reform. Concepts of system closure, self-referentiality and cognitive openness are essential for understanding systems-theoretical approached, founded by German sociologist Niklas Luhmann. They will be briefly explained in the presentation. The presentation concludes with a comparison between key concepts used in systems theory with those used in comparative policy studies. She identifies resemblances with concepts of pathways in historical institutionalism, the multiple-streams approach, and the notion of punctuated equilibrium advanced in the advocacy coalition framework.

Author

• Gita Steiner-Khamsi, Teachers College, Columbia University & NORRAG