Theme 7: Schools and the societal context of education

Research within the thematic group Schools and the Societal Context of Education focuses on the impact of the institutional context of schools (laws and regulations, policy networks around schools, governance structures), their social context (e.g. features of students backgrounds), and the characteristics of the school organization on the quality of teaching and learning.

Within this theme, we critically reflect upon the role that educational institutions have in shaping individual life and societal chances, and how various theories describe and explain this intricate relation. The focus is on meso- and macro-aspects of the educational system, therefore addressing main issues related to educational policy-making and organization both at international, national and school levels. Relevant questions are for example what educational quality means, and how excellence, equality, inclusion, and citizenship are defined and promoted. The answers to these questions depend on de socio-political context of education and may differ for learners from diverse social backgrounds (e.g. regarding gender, socioeconomic family background, ethnic/cultural background). What are relevant theories that describe and explain the relation between education and society? What can we learn from international comparisons on system characteristics (e.g., tracking, streaming, accessibility) and from international comparative research (e.g., PISA, PIRLS)? What roles do parents, peers, teachers, media, and social-cultural norms and values fulfil in relation to societal functions of education? And what are key factors that promote inclusion and equal opportunities for all?