Session Information
99 ERC SES 07 K, Children, Youth and Education
Paper Session
Contribution
This empirical research critically examines the instrumental role of direct action within the landscape of education, with a specific emphasis on education coalitions and their corresponding strategies for advocating the right to education. It provides an in-depth analysis of the mechanisms through which education coalitions harness the power of direct action to instigate meaningful reform and foster education systems that embody the principles of inclusivity and equity. The research centers on the Pakistan Coalition for Education (PCE), a primary advocate for accessible education in a turbulent landscape. As Pakistan's leading education coalition, PCE collaborates with the Global Campaign for Education (GCE), striving to uphold education as a fundamental human right. Employing Whole Network Analysis, the study offers a comprehensive illustration of the intricate dynamics within education coalitions. The study's focus on PCE underscores its pivotal role at international, national, and local levels, combating neoliberal tendencies towards privatization and championing the cause of free, high-quality public education for all.
Theoretical Framework: The research is guided by a holistic theoretical framework, drawing from seminal works in education advocacy. It incorporates Cortina & Lafuente's (2018) insights on Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and their cooperative frameworks, essential for understanding the collaborative dynamics in Pakistan's education coalitions. Verger and Novelli's (2010) exploration of education coalition action repertoires provides a spectrum of strategies crucial for this study, ranging from direct engagements with decision-makers to large-scale public awareness campaigns. Arvidson et al.'s (2018) work on the evolving nature of insider and outsider advocacy strategies, especially in the digital age, informs the study's exploration of modern advocacy tactics, including the role of social media. This framework aims to capture the breadth and depth of activities undertaken by education coalitions in Pakistan, discerning strategies that are most effective in this unique socio-political context.
By integrating insights from these research works with Pakistani realities, the study develops a comprehensive understanding of the role of education coalitions. The overarching aim is to set a solid theoretical foundation for a detailed empirical examination of these coalitions, ensuring relevance and applicability to the Pakistani milieu. The narratives of coalition members, policymakers, and civil society leaders are expected to bring theoretical constructs to life, making this study a reflection of the aspirations and challenges in promoting education rights in Pakistan.
Method
This research adopts a mixed-methods approach, incorporating a broad spectrum of data sources to construct a comprehensive and nuanced view of the subject matter. These sources include pivotal education coalition documents such as mission statements, annual reports, policy briefs, and meeting minutes, as well as social media handles, which illuminate the coalition's objectives, strategic approaches, collaborative activities, and policy stances. Central to this approach is the use of Social Network Analysis (SNA) to map and analyze the intricate network of relationships and interactions among coalition members. This method is crucial for understanding the dynamics of coalition advocacy and for identifying key influencers and patterns of collaboration within the education sector. In addition to SNA, the study harnesses the insights gained from Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) with coalition members. These interviews provide firsthand narratives of their experiences, elucidating their strategies and perspectives in advocating for education rights. To further deepen the understanding of these dynamics, the research also involves Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with PCE members and associate members. These discussions offer a platform for a more interactive and detailed exploration of their collective experiences, challenges, and advocacy strategies used in the field. Crucially, the study also examines the role of social media as a vital tool in the coalition's strategy. The research investigates how PCE leverages these platforms to amplify its message, engage with a broader audience, and create a more resilient and interconnected network of advocates for educational reform.
Expected Outcomes
This investigation significantly contributes to educational discourse by highlighting the central role of direct action in education, especially in contexts of uncertainty. The findings emphasize the importance of collaborative networks, effective communication, and evidence-based advocacy as catalysts for advancing inclusive and equitable education systems. These insights are particularly valuable for policymakers, researchers, and practitioners, offering guidance in promoting education justice in challenging times. In conclusion, the study not only underscores the transformative potential of education coalitions in the landscape of protest-driven educational reform but also resonates with the ECER 2024 theme by exemplifying the role of educational research in fostering hope and resilience amidst global challenges. By employing a robust theoretical and methodological framework, the study emphasizes the significance of direct action as a powerful tool for generating momentum and facilitating positive change in education, illuminating effective strategies for fostering globally inclusive and equitable education systems.
References
Cortina, R., & Lafuente, C. (Eds.). (2018). Civil Society Organizations in Latin American Education: Case Studies and Perspectives on Advocacy (1st ed.). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315104874 Verger, A., & Novelli, M. (Eds.). (2012). Campaigning for “Education for All”: Histories, strategies and outcomes of transnational advocacy coalitions in education. Springer Science & Business Media. Arvidson, M., Johansson, H., Meeuwisse, A., & Scaramuzzino, R. (2018). A Swedish culture of advocacy? Civil society organisations' strategies for political influence. Sociologisk Forskning, 341-364.
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