Educational endeavors in a rural society –an example from a small community in Sweden

Abstract

The research presented in this paper has been conducted within the field of Ethnography of Education and explores the challenges and dynamics associated with rural culture in the context of shifting economies, demographic changes, and digitalisation, with a particular focus on the Swedish context. Our theoretical framework is rooted in the Sociology of Education. Our ethnographic analysis integrates the social and cultural aspects inherent to our research site. The findings are organised into three prominent themes: Education and Rural Life, The Influence of Global Digital Technologies, and The Significance of Culture. Currently, at our research site, significant attention is given to traditional farming, which emphasises acquiring the skills essential for integration within the local community. In contrast, national policies, along with the prevailing influence of metro-centric middle-class culture, advocate a different path, prioritising formal education to meet the demands of late modern society.

Keywords

• Rural education
• Sweden
• Scandinavia
• values
• ethnography
• sociology of education