Politics in education

As an academic discipline the study of politics in education has two main roots: The first root is based on theories from political science while the second root is footed in organizational theory.^[1] Political science attempts to explain how societies and social organizations use power to establish regulations and allocate resources. Organizational theory uses scientific theories of management to develop deeper understandings regarding the function of organizations.

Researchers have drawn a distinction between two types of politics in schools. The term micro-politics refers to the use of formal and informal power by individuals and groups to achieve their goals in organizations. Cooperative and conflictive processes are integral components of micro-politics. Macro-politics refers to how power is used and decision making is conducted at district, state, and federal levels. Macro-politics is generally considered to exist outside the school, but researchers have noted that micro- and macro-politics may exist at any level of school systems depending on circumstance.^[2]

There is a significant difference between politics of education and politics in education. More debates on the prevailing differences are solicited from academia of the world to define politics educationally. An example of politics in education is in Freidus and Ewings' article about educational policy.  They suggest that an example of politics in education is race in Neoliberal school policies.^[3] Politics in education shapes decision making processes within different educational systems.^[4]

In the United States

Texas

In 2025, with recent developments within Texas public education, political debates intensified around the key issue of the school voucher^[5] program. Proponents of the bill argue that vouchers provide families with educational choice, while critics contend that such programs take away funds from tradional public schools and cause educational inequalities.^[6] On April 24, 2025, the Texas Legislature approved a $1 billion private school voucher program. Once the bill is signed by Governor Abbott, the program is set to launch in the 2026–27 school year.^[7]