Norwegian Education Policy Rhetoric 1945‐2000: education philosophy in the political party platforms

Abstract

Is education policy rhetoric in Norway after World War II dominated by continuity/stability or by a paradigm shift? This paper is based on the Norwegian party platforms presented prior to all parliamentary elections held every 4 years from 1945 to 1997. Using the platforms as sources offers excellent opportunities for comparisons as to particular periods and parties and the platforms function as reliable barometers of the political climate of contemporary history. The main findings of the paper are that even if the basic ideas of social democratic progressivism emphasising equality, solidarity and individual emancipation are carried forward into the 80s and 90s, there is a shift to the right emphasising freedom, competition, different alternatives and more consideration of the interests of business and industry. Hence the typical characteristic of the party platforms during the last two decades appears to be the wish to enjoy the best of both worlds.