The Morphogenesis of the Norwegian Educational System

Emergence and Development from a Critical Realist Perspective

Margaret S. Archer, Unn-Doris K. Bæck, Tone Skinningsrud, Margaret S. Archer, Unn-Doris K. Bæck, Tone Skinningsrud

• Publisher: Routledge
• Year: 2022
• eBook ISBN: 9781000547696
• Edition: 1
• Topic: Social Sciences
• Subtopic: Sociology
• Index: Social Sciences

Based in the philosophy of critical realism, this book employs a range of Margaret Archer's theoretical concepts to investigate temporal and spatial aspects of Norwegian education. Stemming from Archer's engagement as visiting professor from 2017 to 2019 in the Department of Education at UiT The Arctic University of Norway, the book explores a new area for critical realist theorizing by asking how different spatial contexts affect the workings of the system. The various chapters employ diverse sets of Archer's theoretical concepts; from morphogenetic cycles and the emergence of educational systems at the macro level, to the exercise of reflexivity among individual school leaders and students at the micro level. In contrast to the focus on educational homogeneity and similarity among Nordic and Scandinavian countries, and promotion of the conception of the 'Nordic Model', this book draws attention to differences between these nations as well as regional differences within Norway. As such, it will appeal to scholars with interests in education, sociology, critical realism, educational sciences and pedagogy, education history and political science as well those with a specific interest in the Nordic region.

Table of contents

• Cover Page
• Half-Title Page
• Series Page
• Title Page
• Copyright Page
• Contents
• Notes on contributors
• 1 Introduction
• PART I Morphogenetic cycles, the contextualization of education and educational development
• PART II The spatial context of educational mechanisms
• PART III External and internal conditioning of educational interaction and practice
• Index