Political Dimensions of Education for Social Cohesion

Education for social cohesion often takes place in a divisive environment where exclusive politics dominates the formal education process. Global education reforms advocated by international organizations tend to be democratic as they aim to redistribute power. Such reforms inevitably face resistance from national policymakers whose priority is not necessarily the democratization of society. They can actively use such reforms by modifying them and maintaining their precarious legitimacy. Therefore, understanding their motives and interests helps in analyzing and even predicting how global reforms might be implemented. As an alternative form of education, the NFE could provide a learning ground for social cohesion. In BiH, there are some, though not many, examples of NFE programs that have endured over a long period of time. They are making inroads by displaying rhetoric acceptable to external and internal stakeholders. Finally, the role of teachers should not be underestimated. After all, they are the actors who most directly influence children’s perspectives, regardless of the political landscape.