In search of a democratic school culture: an analysis from the lenses of critical realism

ABSTRACT Critical realism is a valuable philosophical stance in providing an in-depth analysis of multi-dimensional and multi-layered relationships in social science. Considering the scarcity of studies on this philosophical framework in social science, this study aimed, from multiple viewpoints, to examine the multi-faceted and multi-stratified experiences, events, structures, and mechanisms underlying democratic school climate in primary school education in Northern Cyprus, through a critical realist philosophical stance. The analysis of the data obtained from teachers, headteachers, and students in five state schools revealed that certain factors limited the opportunities for achieving a democratic school culture. The inadequacy of the education system manifested itself in various forms at the empirical level and therefore affected the climates of the participating schools. The fragmented governance, the pressure of the college entrance examination, and the lack of integration of the newly arrived migrants were found to be influencing the climate in the participating schools.