Reimagining education policy: Co-operative schools and the social solidarity alternative

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

Abstract

Across the globe, social and solidarity economics is gaining in popularity, representing the belief that relationships based on solidarity and co-operation are fundamental components in developing sustainable and inclusive economic activities and policies, rather than individualistic, market-driven approaches serving private interests. However, so far there has been little focus on how social and solidarity approaches to education could help to lay the foundations for a viable alternative to market capitalism, and democracy that is defined in terms of individualized consumer choice.
This chapter explores relational forms of democratic engagement and considers both the potential and the challenges for co-operative schools in England in helping to redefine an education system that is fit for a social solidarity economy. Schools are centre stage in the development of a social solidarity economy. They are the key institutions that can foster a democratic culture and allow it to flourish in the future (Audsley et al., 2013). Indeed, Apple (2011: 27–8) advocates that schools have a pivotal role in the production of our identities, with ‘lasting effects on the dispositions and values that we do and do not act upon, on who we think we are and on who we think we can become’.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationLearning for a Co-operative World
Subtitle of host publicationEducation, social change and the Co-operative College
EditorsTom Woodin, Linda Shaw
Place of PublicationLondon
PublisherUCL IOE Press
Chapter10
Pages154-168
Number of pages15
ISBN (Electronic)978-1-85856-699-3, 978-1-85856-901-7, 978-1-85856-902-4
ISBN (Print)978-1-85856-680-1
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2019

Keywords

  • Democratic education
  • Co-operative schools; engagement;democracy; governance.
  • Social solidarity economics
  • Relational approach
  • Social justice

Research Beacons, Institutes and Platforms

  • Manchester Urban Institute

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