«THE LAW OF JANTE»: ITS PLACE IN DENMARK'S PRESCHOOL EDUCATION SYSTEM

• Published in: Pedagogical Education:Theory and Practice
• Main Author: Газіна, Ірина Олександрівна
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: Ukrainian
• Published: Pedagogical Education: Theory and Practice 2021
• Subjects: Norway; Iceland
• Online Access: http://pedosv.kpnu.edu.ua/article/view/251125

The article analyses the features of Danish preschool education system, notably, it focuses on the influence of informal rules of conduct that exist in the Scandinavian countries, known as the "Law of Jante" concerning the method of educating preschool children. The relevance of this issue is determined by several factors. Firstly, it is Scandinavian countries (Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Iceland) that are marked with one of the highest living standards, high social standards, which encourages us to study their experience. Secondly, these countries traditionally had close (political, economic, cultural) ties with Ukraine. Nowadays, it is important to take into account the educational principles of the Scandinavian countries in the process of reforming the educational sector of Ukraine. Danish education system is of particular interest. That is where the happiest nation in the world lives. Despite the fact that even in Denmark itself there is a widespread belief that the "Law of Jante" (it was made famous by the Danish-Norwegian writer Aksel Sandemose, who wrote a book "A Fugitive Crosses His Tracks", published in 1933) has long been an anachronism and its influence is not traced in life of modern society in Denmark, Sweden or Norway (opponents of the "Law" emphasize that it promotes destruction of individuality, mediocrity, lack of initiative and the tendency to stay in the shadow of others), the author argues that, firstly, the principles of "Law of Jante" are still applied, defining the so-called Scandinavian mentality of the inhabitants of Northern Europe. Secondly, the Law itself contains quite positive principles that enhance the formation of a sense of collectivism, mutual respect, the priority of public interests, modesty, etc. And in conclusion, the article uses the examples of building relationships between children, children and teachers in Danish preschools to argue that these principles dominate in the system of educating young people of "the happiest nation in the world". У статті аналізуються ...