open access publication

Review, 2024

Invisible parenting? Middle-class choice within schools in Denmark

Education Inquiry, ISSN 2000-4508, 10.1080/20004508.2024.2302659

Contributors

Brown R. (Corresponding author) [1] Boje J.D. [2]

Affiliations

  1. [1] University College Absalon
  2. [NORA names: University College Absalon; College; Denmark; Europe, EU; Nordic; OECD];
  3. [2] University of Southern Denmark
  4. [NORA names: SDU University of Southern Denmark; University; Denmark; Europe, EU; Nordic; OECD]

Abstract

When given school choice, middle-class parents are known to use various strategies that increase segregation. This has also been observed in Nordic countries despite their belief in equality and the norm of children’s autonomy. This paper presents an analysis of interviews with children from two tracks at a Danish comprehensive school. Specifically, we analyse the children’s narratives about their parents’ involvement in their choice of track. The analysis reveals parent involvement ranging from invisible to visible pedagogies. On the basis of this, we discuss whether some modes of parenting are preferable in terms of reducing social reproduction.

Keywords

Middle-class parenting, concerted cultivation, invisible pedagogy, school choice, social reproduction

Data Provider: Elsevier