Att utbilda framtiden - En teoretisk fallstudie av den svenska skolans värdegrund och att utbilda kritiskt tänkande medborgare

Abstract: The aim of this essay is to cast new light on citizenship education in the context of Swedish educational policy. The Swedish educational policy is based on a set of core values which should be stated by everyone that is active in the school. One purpose of education within this system is to develop the student’s capacity to critically reflect upon values and ideas presented to them. The analysis is based on theories central to education and citizenship, such as those of John Dewey, Hannah Arendt and Paulo Freire. A theoretical case study of relevant policy documents has contributed to the conclusion that education is viewed as a process of preparation for the social life, in which citizens are supposed to acknowledge the right moral values. Furthermore, even though critical thinking should be encouraged throughout education, the policies' stance on citizenship as based on a set of specific moral values limits the range of acceptable actions and moral standpoints.