RETHINKING THE RELATION BETWEEN EDUCATION AND POLITICS. REVISITING AN ONGOING DEBATE IN EDUCATIONAL THEORY

This article adds to the longstanding debate in educational theory regarding the relationship between education and politics. It contrasts perspectives that view education as inherently political—particularly within the tradition of critical pedagogy, where it is framed as a tool for emancipation—with approaches, inspired by Arendt and more conservative thought, that argue for a clear separation between education and the political sphere. The article also considers how definitions of both education and politics vary across cultural and linguistic contexts. It concludes by emphasizing the need to preserve the autonomy of education as a foundation for meaningful political engagement.