Decentralization of Education in Chile: A Case of Institutionalized Class Segregation
Contributor Name:
Sudakshina
Decentralization is part of education sector reforms in many countries. It has consequences for learners and teachers, and not all of them are positive.
Decentralization has often undermined the fundamental rights of teachers unions, and posed a serious threat to providing quality education to all. The author studies the education sector in Chile, which has experienced decentralization, and finds that it has strengthened the social divide in society. The author states that in Chile:
- Municipalization of education perpetuates class segregation instead of removing it;
- Lower socio-economic groups are dependent on decisions of different actors, who find it difficult to arrive at a consensus;
- Decentralization is low, with decision-making power still being centralized to a large extent;
- Teachers unions and educational experts are not strong enough as social powers that offer sufficient political and social counterbalance in the system.