ITALIAN JOURNAL OF SOCIOLOGY OF EDUCATION

This paper analyses the ten nation states’ papers in this special edition journal that are read through Hodgson and Spours (2006) Policy Analytical Framework that examines political eras, the education state, policy processes and engagement with the public space. Each nation state identifies particular themes that impact upon their education policies and systems. First is the shift from a planned comprehensive education system underpinned by communitarian ideologies to the marketization of education, underpinned by capitalist ideologies. Second is participation and civic engagement. Third is management of economic transitions, economic growth and human capital. Fourth is commitment to tolerance for cultural diversity and the transformation of identity. All four themes may play a role in a nation state’s policy development but particular authors choose to focus on particular themes due to the focus of their papers, and/or dominating societal pressures that include political unrest, conflict, agency and globalization.