Authority in the inclusive age: a case study with primary school children

Abstract

This paper reflects on the place that authority occupies today in the educational context, particularly in schools with greater ethnic-cultural segregation. It aims to answer the following research questions: what practices do teachers develop to address conflict resolution and ensure adequate coexistence in the context of diverse classrooms? How is authority exercised in these classrooms? In order to try to answer these and other questions related to this problem, a qualitative research was carried out in three schools in Vitoria-Gasteiz with a high level of ethnic-cultural segregation. The instruments used for the collection of information were participant observation and interviews. The results indicate that there is an increasing tendency towards a democratic style of authority, through which rules are reasoned and agreed upon with the students. However, despite the willingness of teachers, it was found that at critical moments, reinforcement and other punitive measures (use of threats, punishment, etc.) are still used, measures that cannot be considered pedagogically adequate. It is concluded that discipline should be based on mutual respect and limits, aimed at promoting reflection and critical thinking, always with a pedagogical purpose. It also highlights the need to promote continuous training to ensure adequate personal development of teachers to facilitate the management of limits in disadvantaged contexts.