Due to their common history, Finland and Sweden share many similarities. However, important differences have also developed in constitutional law, political culture and governance models. These differences have affected the implementation of international trends in the governance of higher education in the two countries. Both the Finnish and…

The development of the modern nation-state was an inherently centralising process. Education policy and the institutionalisation of mass public schooling played a key role in this process, facilitating industrialisation and the generation of mass loyalty toward the state. In almost all federal systems, however, education policy remained an…

Singapore is described as a hybrid neoliberal-developmental state. While politicians have, since the city-state's independence, exercised 'strong' ideological leadership over Singapore's economy and society, including education -- there are simultaneously aspects of 'neoliberal' logics in Singapore's education system: extensive school choice and…

This article introduces a collection of papers comprising the special issue, "Competing interests: Parents, Schools and Nation States." Drawing on the seven papers in the collection, and situating them in recent developments in the sociological field, the article discusses globally shifting relations between families, schools and the…

Drawing on two multi-site ethnographic projects in Beijing and Shanghai, we explore how teachers in both public schools and schools for migrant children have responded to state policies that restrict educational opportunities for migrant students. We argue the importance of political context in re-conceptualising empowerment by raising the…

International schools are commonly depicted in the academic literature and popular press as offering elite educational credentials to an elite, oftentimes international, student body. In this paper, I draw on a case study of a Canadian international school to argue that a new form of international school is emerging in China--one that offers a…

This article investigates the changing state-university relations in Japan and Malaysia. Its main objective is to identify and examine possible lessons for Malaysia, based on the Japanese experience. Notably, since the late 1970s, Malaysia has been looking towards Japan as a model for socio-economic development (the "look-east" Policy)…

Kandel's reputation as a giant in the field of comparative education rests upon his magisterial surveys of educational systems in which he developed an intricate pattern of educational, political, historical, and philosophical relationships, with his theme being the relationship between education and the state. (Author/BRR)

The Hungarian situation is described as a case study to illustrate the processes by which the political and economic imperatives of a socialist country are translated into classroom curricula and practice. The structure of the National Pedagogical Institute and its departments of education is outlined. (Author/SJL)

Reviews trends, issues, and problems of administrative decentralization and education in developing nations, with reference to Papua New Guinea. Concludes that decentralization should not be seen as a panacea; policy-makers must sharpen understanding of types and levels of decentralization; success requires attention to training and implementation…

Using Columbia as a case study, the author argues that educational reform in Latin America is a method used by United States economic interests, along with the national elites, to maintain their dominant political and economic position. Part of a theme issue on Third World educational development. (Author/SJL)

The value of historical descriptive analysis in comparative education is highlighted by the method's application to schooling in Burma, demonstrating how control over schooling relates to state legitimacy. Supervision of Burmese education by Theravada Buddhist monasteries--Sangha--was undermined by 19th-century British colonial administration. The…

The author reviews recent structural changes in the West German educational system and examines some of the social changes and some of the debates between reformist and traditionalist educators which may be indicative of future trends. (SJL)

Analyzes market-oriented reforms to Chinese higher education in the post-Mao era. Focuses on the emergence of fee-paying college students, partnership with industry, pressures for the curriculum to become more practical, and diversification of management systems. Outlines benefits related to efficiency and accountability and potential dangers of…

Traces the development of Dutch educational policy since the compromise of 1917, by which private and public schools were given equal financial support. Examines the extent to which neoliberal reforms of the 1980s brought about radical changes in the Dutch education system, focusing on increased autonomy, freedom of school choice, privatization,…