Recognizing the role of diversity in fostering social cohesion and economic resilience, the European Union has emphasized inclusive policies. However, urban segregation complicates this objective, significantly impacting various areas of society, including education. Previous studies have highlighted the complex social dynamics influencing equal access to education and school segregation, which are closely linked to urban segregation. In the Swedish context, national reforms in the 1990s exacerbated school segregation, deepening socio-economic and ethnic divides. This thesis explores the effectiveness of Linköping Municipality's strategies to counteract urban segregation through education, focusing on community perceptions of these measures. The strategies include reinforcement efforts, such as increased funding and staff training, and dispersal initiatives, like school closures and relocation of school sections, aimed at improving educational outcomes in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas. Using qualitative methods, including document analysis and semi-structured interviews, the study assesses the perceived effectiveness of these measures. Findings reveal that while reinforcement strategies are generally approved, practical challenges and gaps between policy intentions and outcomes persist. Dispersal strategies show uncertain effectiveness, and other initiatives require better approach in increasing the inclusivity. The study highlights the necessity of synergizing top-down and bottom-up approaches to enhance policy responsiveness and community engagement. Future research should focus on the long-term impacts of dispersal strategies, school culture, communication practices, and parental decision-making processes, particularly among immigrant and low-income families.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:UPSALLA1/oai:DiVA.org:liu-205101 |
| Date | January 2024 |
| Creators | KIRIGE, BUDDHIKA GOTHAMI |
| Publisher | Linköpings universitet, Institutionen för tema |
| Source Sets | DiVA Archive at Upsalla University |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Student thesis, info:eu-repo/semantics/bachelorThesis, text |
| Format | application/pdf |
| Rights | info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess |
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