Democratic Theory an Democratic Education: A New Zealand Case Study

Parker, Amee

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Democratic Theory an Democratic Education: A New Zealand Case Study

Parker, Amee

Cite this item: Parker, A. (2016). Democratic Theory an Democratic Education: A New Zealand Case Study (Thesis, Master of Arts). University of Otago. Retrieved from http://hdl.handle.net/10523/6902

Permanent link to OUR Archive version: http://hdl.handle.net/10523/6902

Date: 2016

Advisor: Spencer, Vicki; Chris, Rudd

Degree Name: Master of Arts

Degree Discipline: Politics

Publisher: University of Otago

Keywords: New Zealand; case study; democratic education; democratic free schooling; student autonomy; primary schools; democratic meetings; democratic theory; participation

Research Type: Thesis

Languages: English

Abstract:

The history of democracy and various theories of democracy indicate that democracy is not a static practice or philosophy, rather it is adapted for those who make use of it and question it. It is not, however, a practice that is readily available to children; the very people who ought to be engaging with democracy so that they may benefit from its use not only in the present, but also so that they may learn its value before they become the governing body. Through the use of a New Zealand Democratic Free School case study this thesis uncovers the potential of Democratic Free Schooling as a space for children to develop a democratic voice. By linking research data to democratic theory it also uncovers what democracy looks like within such a space.

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