La democracia en los centros educativos españoles: concepciones de docentes y estudiantes.

Abstract

Teachers’ and students’ conceptions of democracy influence the attitudes, expectations, and possibilities of this form ofgovernment; therefore, it is essential to know them. This research aims to describe the conceptions of democracy in theschool held by teachers and secondary school students in Spain. With that purpose, a phenomenographic study wascarried out. Participants were 15 teachers and 15 students attending schools in Spain. Results indicate that there are threeconceptions of democracy in school, although with differences between groups. First, an elitist conception that reducesdemocracy to free competition and school choice. Discourses held under this conception are related to the neoliberalphilosophy. A representative conception that emphasizes voting as a decision mechanism. The main differences betweenteachers and students are found here. While teachers tend to underestimate the real power of students, the second groupclaims interference in the transcendental school decisions. Finally, a participatory conception characterized by horizontalityand consensus decision-making. To promote a participatory conception of democracy is essential to encourage criticalthinking and collective agency in common issues, thus advancing towards more just and equitable societies.