Situation
For a democratic society to function effectively, it is crucial that citizens receive the education and formation needed to take an active part in society’s decision-making processes. This democratic formation takes place in many contexts – not least at the country’s boarding schools. With a focus on democratic formation and personal development, boarding schools strengthen young people’s ability to engage in social communities and the society around them, and thus play a central role in shaping them into active and responsible citizens.
Complication
Danish young people are increasingly showing low democratic confidence, and many find it difficult to see their role in society’s communities. At a time when participation in civil society cannot be taken for granted, the Danish Association of Boarding Schools therefore wants to document the role that boarding schools play in young people’s democratic formation. The purpose is to highlight boarding schools’ contribution to young people’s wellbeing, trust and active engagement in society.
Recommendation
Through a quantitative study comparing former boarding school students with young people who did not attend a boarding school, Epinion has demonstrated that a year at boarding school leaves lasting positive marks on young people’s lives. The study shows that boarding school stays have a documented positive effect on young people’s social relationships, trust in other people and trust in society’s institutions. The results confirm that boarding schools are important arenas for democratic formation and community, and provide a strong narrative about the role of boarding schools in a well-functioning democracy. This gives the Danish Association of Boarding Schools a strengthened evidence-based foundation for the association’s strategic and political work.
Read more results from the study (in Danish) here.
