How Does a Society Change? : Reflexivity in Politics and Education

This book brings together political and educational theory, highlighting their transformative aspects. Straume clarifies notions of ‘politics’ and ‘the political’ in theoretical terms with reference to three key thinkers, Arendt, Castoriadis and Mouffe, and explores “applied” educational contexts where political imaginaries are influential.

The political climate of many Western countries is characterised by political disillusion, distrust and political alienation. These problems cannot be solved by politicians alone, but are also problematic for educators. Invoking the classical, democratic connection between education and political participation, this book introduces central concepts from radical-creative political thought into educational thought and practice. Based on the belief that political change is fostered by trusting ordinary people’s creative imagination, it is also a call for increased political participation.

The book offers possibilities to reflect upon the potential for political change in contemporary Western societies. The domains in question are arenas for the creative imagination, ranging from political philosophy via educational theory and young people’s literature to the greatest challenge of contemporary political creation: anthropogenic climate change.