Book Review: Understanding PISA’s Attractiveness: Critical Analyses in Comparative Policy Studies

Abstract

communities. This chapter offers a particularly useful discussion for international educators and academics. The final chapter focuses on voice in society and the need for all to feel that they have a voice. The stress on inclusivity through democracy is useful and relevant, and the need to be pragmatic about organisations and systems develops this focus. As with the preceding chapter, McDowell sees diversity and complexity in society, and does not shy away from actively discussing these issues. This is a useful book, though its usefulness to international educators may be limited to how to effectively utilise the various discourses within the realms of international education. Some chapters feel rather abstract and laborious, whilst others are more efficient in terms of their application to active dialogue in classrooms and international schools. There is often a limited amount of literature that looks at the sociological impact of education on individuals, groups and nation states, and the various ways to understand conflict, develop resolution and utilise education for peace. George Mason University Press and Peter Stearns should be congratulated for producing such a book, and one would hope for further insightful edited volumes that focus on confronting and investigating the deeper psycho-social and political discourses within international education and international schools.