This paper views how the construction of the subject ”student” is created in two Swedish policy bills with focus on Swedish Upper Secondary School written in 1990/91 and 2008. The educational policy documents are analyzed by using a Discourse theoretical approach as formulated by Mouffe and Laclau. The theoretical and methodological tools used in the analyze are Nodal points and Chains of equivalence. 

Constructions of the subject can, according to Laclau and Mouffe, be understood as part of a struggle – a social conflict – whether to gain hegemony, meaning to have “exclusive rights” to define a particular social order. Hence, the actors’ different understanding of social order implies a specific grouping in society. Group formation is included in the struggle to define the social. The understanding of the social that wins hegemony that may have an impact on different groups and their position in society.

Laclau, Ernesto & Mouffe, Chantal (2001[1985]). Hegemony and Socialist Strategy. London/New York: Verso. Mouffe, Chantal (2005). On The Political. Great Britain: Routledge. Regeringens proposition 1990/91:85. Växa med kunskaper – om gymnasieskolan och vuxen¬utbildningen. Regeringens proposition 2008/09:199. Högre krav och kvalitet i den nya gymnasieskolan.