Whose children are they? Using Kymlicka on multiculturalism to evaluate rights and freedom in Christian home education

Abstract

ABSTRACT This paper considers the so far unresearched position of Christian home education in England and, specifically, the implications of the proposed English Schools Bill (2022) for this minority religious group. We consider the case for external protection of their practices, as well as charges of internal restriction within the context of largely unregulated home education. Quantitative and qualitative survey data from 462 Christian home educators is analysed to elucidate the minority positioning of the group before considering whether sufficient opportunities exist within the proffered education to proselytise, question and reject the faith if desired. We conclude that Christian home educators in the UK constitute a minority group in need of political recognition to continue in the educational aspects of their faith. We also conclude that whilst, in this data set, internal restrictions are not evident, Christian home education is not homogenous. We argue that opportunities for heresy and apostasy need to be clearly open to children being educated at home for religious reasons but argue that further research and a theoretical framing of ongoing public debate, rather than recourse to law, constitute a way forward more likely to protect pluralism and minority freedoms.