Review: Dennis Beach, Tuula Gordon & Elina Lahelma (Eds.) (2003). Democratic Education: Ethnographic Challenges

Abstract

Democratic Education: Ethnographic Challenges is an important resource for all who are interested not only in education but also in research, public administration and policy analysis. Ethnographers from Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, the United Kingdom and the United States share with us research conducted in their countries. The ten studies examine in depth the impact of new-right policies in educational settings. In this regard, democracy and social justice are discussed while focusing on gender, social class, ethnicity and nationality. The authors frame their work in diverse ways including the use of Marxist, feminist, poststructuralist and postcolonial theories. The findings invite us to think critically about daily life in schools. Aside from the overall importance of the topic, this book is also a good example of interdisciplinary and international collaboration. URN: urn:nbn:de:0114-fqs0501206