Education and Social Integration: Comprehensive Schooling in Europe and the United States (Secondary Education in a Changing World)

This book traces national policies behind the efforts of integrating education systems in Europe. In some regions of Europe, such as the Nordic countries, a high level of social integration was achieved by introducing radical comprehensive education systems. By contrast, in countries such as Germany and England, comprehensive education either failed almost completely, or was only partially implemented. Based on a wide-ranging historical analysis, this book offers the first fully comparative explanation of the divergent development of comprehensive education in Europe. "With this book, Wiborg presents 'the great narrative' of Scandinavian education history, which is the history of comprehensive education. Based on an analysis which is much broader in scope than her predecessors, she offers a nuanced, insightful and rich theory of why Scandinavia diverted from Europe in pursuing education that integrates social cohesion and academic standards."--Alfred O. Telhaug, Professor, University of Oslo, Norway 'Wiborg presents a clearly argued account of the complex interaction of politics and the events that have led some European countries to embrace a comprehensive ideal and others to reject it. Her understanding of the developments in the five chosen countries is impressive. This book is essential reading for all who are interested in comparative historical sociology and for those seeking to use theory to improve educational practice.' - Peter Mortimore, Former Director of the Institute of Education, University of London and International Professor, University of Southern Denmark, 2008 Front Matter....Pages i-x The Uneven Development of Comprehensive Education in Scandinavia, Germany, and England....Pages 1-17 The Conglomerate Education System: The Integrative Role of the State....Pages 19-47 Social Class Formation and Educational Participation....Pages 49-73 Liberal Politics: The Early Beginnings of Comprehensive Education....Pages 75-125 Social Democratic Politics: The Advancement of Comprehensive Education....Pages 127-165 Comprehensive Education Consolidated....Pages 167-209 Conclusion....Pages 211-231 Back Matter....Pages 233-246 Cover Contents Series Editors' Foreword Acknowledgment 1. The Uneven Development of Comprehensive Education in Scandinavia, Germany, and England 2. The Conglomerate Education System: The Integrative Role of the State 3. Social Class Formation and Educational Participation 4. Liberal Politics: The Early Beginnings of Comprehensive Education 5. Social Democratic Politics: The Advancement of Comprehensive Education 6. Comprehensive Education Consolidated 7. Conclusion Bibliography Author Index Subject Index. This book develops a comparative theory about why the Scandinavian countries developed absolute comprehensive education and why comprehensive education was never introduced in Germany and only partially in England. This book traces national policies behind the efforts of integrating education systems in Europe