While historically and ideologically peripheralised in modern Chinese politics, traditional culture has been discursively rehabilitated by the Chinese communist regime in recent years. Existing literature on this phenomenon tends to focus on the politicisation of culture, that is, how Chinese culture, particularly the Confucian tradition, is…

In this study, we discuss the Confucian tradition in today's multicultural China from two perspectives: that of the mandatory school curriculum, which represents 'official knowledge', and that of students from ethnic minority and/or religious backgrounds who are located on the cultural margins in China. The analysis draws on curricular narratives…

This article combines the perspective of transnational transfer with contributions from social theory and historical sociology -- specifically the Luhmannian concept of social 'inclusion'. In doing so, this article reconstructs a historical case regarding the conflicting implementation of universal conscription and compulsory schooling in Chile in…

Many current national and institutional education policies address the issue of raising participation amongst young people and enhancing employability after leaving school or university. What sort of information are these policies built on? This paper compares national information systems from the last three decades across Europe that gather…

The mandatory curriculum mooted by the Israeli Ministry of Education for implementation is designed to include the most important body of knowledge to be taught and acquired by every student in the educational system. In addition to the knowledge present in the mandatory curriculum it also includes the learning skills and social values necessary…

Compares Australian and French postcompulsory education delivery systems, focusing on participation by young people within respective frameworks. Examines substantial difference between teenagers' educational participation in two countries, reflecting basically different organizational frameworks. Examines educational stratification, suggesting…

This paper considered different conceptions of compulsory education as embodied in the education laws of different countries. An analytical tool was developed for the comparison of these laws in order to learn the implications of the obligation they impose and the measures required for the discharge of the legal obligation. (Author/RK)

The author sketches the curricular and structural changes in schooling resulting from Spain's 1970 reform law instituting Basic General Education. He considers how well the system is operating 10 years later and whether it is providing schooling that is more democratic, more relevant to an industrial society, and more efficient. (Author/SJL)

Outlines China's 1985 educational reforms, and the political and economic factors behind them. Examines the impact on the school system, on higher education, and on teachers of reforms such as nine years' compulsory education, rapid introduction of technical and vocational training, and greater institutional autonomy. Contains 37 references. (SV)

Presents an overview of the educational system of the Bedouin Arab minority in southern Israel. Inequities between the Jewish and Arab schools include (1) inadequate school facilities; (2) an insufficient number of qualified teachers and administrators; and (3) an unacceptably high student-to-teacher ratio. A clear reform policy for Bedouin Arab…

Examines eight factors in Hausa Moslem society, expecially views on women's role and marriage, which tend to cause parents to limit their daughters' schooling. (SJL)

The rationale behind the traditional grade organization pattern of pre-primary, primary, secondary, and tertiary is discussed, as is the trend to extend compulsory schooling later into the teenage years. The impact of these divisions and of compulsory schooling itself on equal educational opportunity is considered. (SJL)

Examines employment possibilities and upper-secondary schools via the situation in Milan (i.e., occupational demand, secondary schools' efficiency, 'short cycle' and 'long cycle,' reentry, work experience, and rigidity of schools). (AH)

Drawing from interviews with key-informants in planning and policy-making institutions at central and local levels, reports on 1985 education reform programs. Highlights some of the most drastic aspects of the reform and discusses specific issues in basic education, technical/vocational education, and higher education. Notes variety and…