EDUCATION AS A FORCE FOR CHANGE: AN ANALYSIS OF THE UNITED WORLD COLLEGE MOVEMENT

Abstract

This thesis examines values-based education within the United World College school movement through a two part analysis, relying on interviews and site visits. The first part looks at four subject areas central to UWC’s mission (intercultural exchange, national identity, global issues, and peace building), analyzing the values transmitted within these areas and their impact on students. The second part examines students’ experiences of UWC in relation to different forms of capital they acquire. The analysis reveals that students strengthen their national identities, develop greater intercultural comfort, and think deeply about global issues, while acquiring social, cultural, economic and symbolic capital. The analysis also reveals areas in which UWC could improve, including creating a better space for conservative students, increasing the peace building education within the movement, and strengthening the national committees’ roles. Overall, the thesis provides useful analysis for UWC, while illuminating broader sociological insights on education, socialization, and social change.