Scrutinising Elites and Schooling in Post-Communist Poland: Globalisation, European Integration, Socialist Heritage, and Tradition

This book explores the emergence of prestigious schools in Poland since 1989, analyzing how social and political changes have diversified the education system and facilitated the emergence of schools for elites. It offers new insights into elite schools in Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries and will be of interest to researchers and postgraduate students investigating elite education, sociology of education, education policy, and education and international development.

Format: Hardback
Length: 194 pages
Publication date: 05 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The book provides valuable insights and methodological tools to enhance our understanding of how prestigious schools in Poland navigate the complex political, social, and cultural dynamics of their environment.

During the post-communist transformation in Poland, the range of elite schooling options has expanded significantly. However, compared to countries like the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom, France, and Switzerland, post-communist countries have received relatively limited attention in the study of elite education. This book aims to address this gap by exploring the emergence of elite schools within the context of a diverse range of social forces that have influenced the education system in Poland.

The study reveals how the socio-historical processes since 1989 have diversified Poland's egalitarian education system, paving the way for the establishment of schools for elites. It demonstrates that social and political changes in Poland have given rise to new elites with distinct political and social perspectives, leading to the development of various types of elite schools that reflect and reproduce the positions and idiosyncrasies of these elites.

To gain a comprehensive understanding of elite schools in Poland, the book employs a bespoke theoretical framework that analyzes data from elite school websites, online reader forums, and interviews with elite school principals. This approach allows for a thorough examination of existing and generated data, providing valuable insights into the workings of elite schools in Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries.

The book's contributions to the field of elite education are significant, as it enriches the existing body of knowledge on elites and elite schools worldwide. It will be of interest to researchers and postgraduate students engaged in the study of elite education, sociology of education, education policy, and education and international development.

In conclusion, this book offers a valuable contribution to the understanding of elite schools in Poland and beyond. By exploring the complex interplay of social forces, political changes, and educational trends, it provides valuable insights and methodological tools for scholars and practitioners interested in the study of elite education and its impact on society.

Weight: 541g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032452579