Utsatthetens mervärde

En studie av ”Skolan mitt i byn” i ett socialt utsatt område

Abstract

The value of socially disadvantaged neighbourhoods. A study of a school-community partnership
The overall aim of this study is to provide knowledge regarding interventions implemented through a school-community partnership. The school-community partnership examined in this study was designed as a response to the students’ low goal achievement. However, it became clear that the students’ performance at school was viewed as part of a greater issue concerning the social situation in the neighbourhood. In order to change this situation, the school officials developed a vision of opening up the school to the local community and involving the parents. However, the officials in the district clearly had an ambivalent response to collaborating with parents and local associations. As a result, the activities undertaken within the school-commu- nity partnership were not always based on the identified challenges. The intervention instead created a situation where the area’s social vulnerability became an opportunity for companies and organizations to transform the recognition they received for their efforts in the area into a valued brand.