REKTORERS BESLUT OM POLITISKA PARTIBESÖK I SKOLAN En kvalitativ studie om rektorers skäl till att tillåta respektive inte tillåta politiska partibesök i gymnasieskolan

Abstract

This thesis explores the decisions behind swedish principals to permit or prohibit political parties from visiting schools. Through a series of semistructured qualitative interviews with five respondents from different high schools, insights were gathered into their motivations regarding political party visits to schools. The results indicate that principals view political party visits as significant for fostering civic engagement, aligned with the school's democratic mission. However, some principals opt to prohibit such visits due to concerns about non democratic values and potential disruptions. Practical considerations like safety, logistical issues, and conflict risks are also crucial in their decision-making, highlighting awareness of potential challenges posed by political visits. There is a variety of motivations among principals for permitting political parties: some focus on providing objective and factual education, while others view political visits as opportunities to deepen students understanding of democratic processes and diverse political perspectives. Despite the differing viewpoints and priorities, the majority of principals see value in allowing political parties to visit their schools, though often under specific conditions and considerations. This study emphasizes the need for further research on the topic to better understand the effects of political presence in schools and to inform guidelines that facilitate such decisions, ultimately promoting democratic engagement and respect for diversity in educational settings.