Democracy and Social Justice in Sarajevo’s Schools

After the end of the 1992-1995 Bosnian war, the people of Sarajevo found themselves rebuilding their country while also learning to live with their former enemies in this developing democracy. In this study we examined the extent to which democratic practices and social justice values were being taught in Sarajevo’s schools. Using a case study method, we gathered data gathered from interviews with educators in a variety of roles in Sarajevo, observations of elementary and secondary classroom teaching, and daily reflective journal entries about living and teaching in the city during the fall of 2008. Our data analyses revealed that democratic teaching practices and multicultural values are not being taught in Sarajevo’s schools. Instead, entangled and fragmented governmental structures, lingering emotional trauma from the war, and a general sense of pessimism about the future are interfering with educational reform and movement toward a democratic and socially-just society

Examining the Challenges of Teaching for Social Justice in Sarajevo

Social justice is a critical principle of democracy. Societies seeking to become democratic must infuse social justice issues into their schools. In this qualitative study the researchers examined the extent to which social justice is being taught in Sarajevo’s educational system. With only a few exceptions, the findings indicate that education in Sarajevo has not reformed since the 92-95 conflict. Instead, Sarajevo’s curriculum has become more fragmented and less multicultural, and its schools are not preparing children to think democratically and work for social justice. Unless educational reforms accelerate, there is a real danger that the country may return to civil conflict

Examining the Challenges of Teaching for Social Justice in Sarajevo

Social justice is a critical principle of democracy. Societies seeking to become democratic must infuse social justice issues into their schools. In this qualitative study the researchers examined the extent to which social justice is being taught in Sarajevo’s educational system. With only a few exceptions, the findings indicate that education in Sarajevo has not reformed since the 92-95 conflict. Instead, Sarajevo’s curriculum has become more fragmented and less multicultural, and its schools are not preparing children to think democratically and work for social justice. Unless educational reforms accelerate, there is a real danger that the country may return to civil conflict