Political functions of education and an analysis of ngo?s perceptions on political functions of education

The purpose of this study is to examine political functions of education and nongovernmental organization (NGO?s) perceptions on political functions of education. NGO?s may have significant impact on educational system through their views and recommendations.Study group consisted of 14 leading NGO?s including AÇEV, EĞİTİM BİR-SEN, EĞİTİM-SEN, ERG, HAK-İŞ, Tarih Vakfı, DİSK, TÜRK- EĞİTİM-SEN, TED, Türkiye Özel Okullar Birliği Derneği, TÜRK-İŞ, TİSK, MÜSİAD ve TÜSİAD. Headquarters of these NGO?s were located in İstanbul and Ankara. An administrator from each participating NGO was interviewed by using a semi-structured interview form. Interviews were recorded and transcribed after each interview. Data were qualitatively analyzed to examine NGO?s perceptions of political functions of education.Findings demonstrated that NGO?s perceptions on educational system, goals of educational system, political functions of education, NGO?s impact on educational policy making process varies to a large extend. NGO?s impact on educational policy making and decision making process is mediated through relationships between policy makers and decision makers, research and reports on critical issues, and other means of political participation and influence. Political participation and influence is perceived by some as direct participation in decision making process, while some others perceive it in the form of influence by means of political pressure.Finding suggests that both NGO?s and policy makers-decision makers should reconsider the roles and functions of NGO?s in educational policy making process to increase meaningful political participation.