Experiencing democracy in action through students' councils

Abstract

The research question set for this dissertation is: 'To what extent are students participating in the democratization process of schools.' Democracy is a concept which is in everyday use but it is arguably also a term which is not always clear in the mind of those who think that they know what it means. In schools we tend to speak of democracy but one sometimes doubts how this concept is operated in real terms. One way how democracy may be functioning is through school councils made up of students who discuss particular issues and matters relating to themselves and their classmates. School councils may serve as a training ground for decision making through discussion, debate and negotiation. It is hoped that such elements can be identified or confuted through this dissertation. This dissertation entailed an examination through comparison of the different student councils which were focused upon. For this exercise, two student councils were selected; one from a girls' school and one from a boys' school. It is hoped that through this dissertation, the workings of democracy at school level will become clearer to people from the outside. It is aimed to tap the opinions and viewpoints of participants in this exercise in democracy which will help the reader to get an insider's picture of this body.