The Scandinavian Way to Equality in Education

Abstract

The article examines the problem of social justice and equality in education, and its reflection in the socio-political discourse and education systems of four Nordic countries: Denmark, Norway, Finland and Sweden. The author traces the movement in the Scandinavian countries towards redefining equality in the focus of the social democratic ideology from providing equal starting opportunities and equal access to educational resources to a wider equalization, which includes educational outcomes. The experience of the Scandinavian countries to achieve "education for all" is presented, reflected in the national programs and refracted through the prism of the socio-political and institutional context. The deep relation between the adopted egalitarian course in education, typical for the countries in the region and their leading positions in international educational rankings, as well as the high level of socio-economic well-being is considered.