BALANCING INDEPENDENCE AND STATE SUPPORT – A CHALLENGE FOR SWEDISH FOLK HIGH SCHOOLS

Since the end of the 18th century, folk high schools (FHSs) in Sweden have been important institutions for a growing civil society and Bildung. Being acknowledged by the state, they received financial support and recognition very early in their existence. While they are part of a larger movement, including study circle associations, specifically their growth and impact are important for Swedish society. In their approximately 160 years of existence they have faced – and still face – many challenges, which this article discusses. The article aims to explore how the state deals with popular education generally and FHS specifically, how FHSs and the state balance between keeping the FHSs independent of the state’s interference while still allowing it to provide financial support and exercise self-control and follow-up. Looking at both the state policy, focusing mainly on the recent Governmental Inquiry (GI), and FHSs’ practice, their prospects are discussed here.