An Imperative to Adjust?

1. Front Matter

   Pages 1-9

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2. Research outline

   • Joachim Wentzel

   Pages 11-21

3. Theoretical framework

   • Joachim Wentzel

   Pages 23-53

4. Case selection: Why comparing England and Germany?

   • Joachim Wentzel

   Pages 55-60

5. Education systems in England and Germany

   • Joachim Wentzel

   Pages 61-114

6. Governmental paper analysis

   • Joachim Wentzel

   Pages 115-216

7. Educational reforms: process tracing and evaluation

   • Joachim Wentzel

   Pages 217-294

8. Conclusion

   • Joachim Wentzel

   Pages 295-302

9. Back Matter

   Pages 303-318

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This book deals with education systems and the change observed within them alongside changes in the wider political economy. The research is conducted by way of a comparative case study of England and Germany. Extending the VoC approach, not only vocational education and training but also school education and higher education are analysed. The point of departure is the puzzling fact that the current reforms of the education systems of both countries are departing from the paths predicted by the VoC approach. The thesis thus argues against institutional path-dependency in the two countries, and in favour of an ideational approach based on discursive institutionalism.

This book is essential reading for researchers in the social sciences, comparative political sciences and educational sciences.

• Case study
• Educational Reforms
• Process tracing
• Pädagogik
• Varieties of Capitalism

Joachim Wentzel is currently employed as a research associate at the German University of Administrative Sciences, Speyer, where he is affiliated to the Chair for Administrative Sciences and Public Law.

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