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RESEARCH PRODUCT
Changing the heart and soul? Inequalities in Finland’s current pursuit of a narrow education policy
Mari-anne OkkolinTuomas TervasmäkiIlkka Kauppinensubject
inequalitykilpailukykyInequalityEducation policymedia_common.quotation_subjecthyvinvointipolitiikkakoulutuspolitiikkaEducationCompetition (economics)Politics0504 sociologyhyvinvointivaltioPolitical scienceSuomiEducation policyFinlandmedia_commonGovernmentcompetitiveness05 social sciences050401 social sciences methods050301 educationWelfare statetasa-arvoPolitical economyeriarvoisuusIdeologySoulKasvatustieteet - Educational sciences0503 educationwelfare statedescription
The Finnish educational system is well known for its excellent learning results, highly trained teachers and egalitarian values. However, when the political leanings of the government change, its policies are usually altered as well. In this policy report we give an account of the recent changes and current trends in Finnish education policy. We analyse the characteristics of the Sipilä Government’s current education policy since 2015 and compare it to the Nordic welfare-state ideals of universalism, equality and social justice which have traditionally been the key building blocks of the Finnish education system. The Government’s policy appears to be narrow-minded and ignorant of issues related to educational equality, stressing instead the importance of a flexible workforce and national competitiveness. We will reflect on the characteristics of Finnish education policy in light of the debate regarding academic capitalism and as part of an overarching trend of social inequality in Europe.
| year | journal | country | edition | language |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018-12-20 | Policy Futures in Education |