The concept of democracy in Finnish textbooks for basic education

Authors

• Henri Satokangas Helsingin yliopisto

DOI: https://doi.org/10.33350/ka.109716

Keywords:

democracy, textbooks, discourse studies

Abstract

The article examines the construction of the concept of democracy in Finnish textbooks for basic education. Informed by discourse studies, the construction of the concept, as well as the conceptual contexts in which it is positioned, are studied by asking, what kind of representation of the concept of democracy is provided in the textbooks. The analysis shows that democracy is defined predominantly as a form of government, but ideals such as democratic citizenship, dialogue and freedom of speech are presented as essential to the concept. Democracy is located in Finland on the one hand and in ancient Greece on the other, and positioned against the notion of dictatorship, which is presented as the alternative of democracy. According to the results, democracy is represented as a static concept, a substance to be acquired, and as an on/off state of affairs. The article discusses alternative ways of presenting the concept of democracy, such as a continuum model of democracy, democracy as a utopia, and the problematization discourse of democracy, and contemplates on the abilities of different ways of presenting the concept to support growth towards democratic citizenship.