Public Action and Political Socialization. The Parents faced with the Educational Policy in France

Abstract

Abstract

In France, the school map is an educational policy which defines the catchment areas of State schools according to the families’ place of residence. A located analysis (ethnographic observations, approximately 150 in-depth interviews, files, etc.) allows us to question the processes of political socialization of the parents in work around the implementation of this public policy. In certain contexts, some parents try to adapt themselves to the division into sectors and even to influence public policy for stakes concerning their children. Their political socialization occurs principally through informal debates and individual or collective mobilizations (associations, partnerships of parents, demonstrations, etc.), to try to get round the constraints of this policy. This example shows the action of the State in the politicization or depoliticization of citizens.

Keywords: Political socialization – school – public action – skills – discussions – politicization – mobilization – education – know-how