 | From Class to Identity: The politics of education reforms in former Yugoslavia Subjects: Education and state -- Former Yugoslav republics; Educational change -- Former Yugoslav republics; Education -- Political aspects -- Former Yugoslav republics; Education -- Social aspects -- Former Yugoslav republics; Jana Bacevic provides an innovative analysis of education policy-making in the processes of social transformation and post-conflict development in the Western Balkans. Based on case studies of educational reform in the former Yugoslavia - from the decade before its violent breakup to contemporary efforts in post-conflict reconstruction - From Class to Identity tells the story of the political processes and motivations underlying each reform.The book moves away from technical-rational or prescriptive approaches that dominate the literature on education policy-making during social transformation, and offers an example on how to include the social, political and cultural context in the understanding of policy reforms. It connects education policy at a particular time in a particular place with broader questions such as: What is the role of education in society? What kind of education is needed for a 'good' society? Who are the 'targets' of education policies (individuals/citizens, ethnic/religious/linguistic groups, societies)? Bacevic shows how different answers to these questions influence the contents and outcomes of policies. Bacevic Jana : Jana Bacevic is a researcher at the Department of Education, Aarhus University in Copenhagen, Denmark, working on the European-Unionfunded project "Universities in Knowledge Economies" (UNIKE). She has worked as researcher and advisor for a number of international and local governments and organizations on projects dealing with education, post-conflict development, and minorities. Her current research deals with academic engagement and the role of universities in societies. |
