Bridging divides – social science, educational policy and the improvement of education and training systems: an appreciation the contribution of David Raffe (1950–2015). Issue 7 (3rd October 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Howieson, Cathy; Spours, Ken; Young, Michael
• Is Part Of: Journal of education and work. Volume 30:Issue 7(2017)
• Page Start: 689
• Page End: 699
• Publication Date: 2017-10-03
• Subjects: Education and training systems -- youth transitions -- system improvement -- policy learning; Career education -- Periodicals; Education -- Periodicals; Préparation à une carrière -- Périodiques; Orientation professionnelle -- Périodiques; Marché du travail, Effets de l'éducation sur le -- Périodiques; Transition école-travail -- Périodiques; Insertion professionnelle -- Périodiques; 331.702
• DOI: 10.1080/13639080.2017.1383094
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1363-9080

Abstract

Abstract: This Introduction provides an overview of the distinctive contribution of the late David Raffe to educational research in the UK and internationally over a 40-year period. His wide-ranging research on post-compulsory education and training systems was enriched by the development of conceptual distinctions that have become part of the lingua franca of sociology and the study of education reform. David's particular style of scholarship focused on the improvement of education systems through collaborative working; historical and comparative analysis and the processes of policy learning. In particular he argued that both researchers and policy actors should understand the specificities of their own national contexts rather than simply engage in 'policy borrowing' from other contexts or countries. The Introduction also outlines how the various contributors to the journal have engaged with David's scholarship, and demonstrates the continuing relevance of his intellectual legacy to understanding today's turbulent political and policy world.