A Guided Democracy For Children? A Case Study Of Summerhill School, Suffolk, England

Feb 12, 2026

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Abstract: This study explores Summerhill School in Suffolk, England, established by A.S. Neill in 1921. It examines the characteristics defining the school as a democratic institution. Interviews with school staff, students, and visitors reveal the application of democracy in non-academic activities. Participants shared experiences related to decision-making, law creation, and equality, highlighting democratic challenges. The data suggest that Summerhill's democratic practices resemble guided democracy models, as seen in Sukarno's guided democracy in Indonesia and B.F. Skinner's Walden Two. This study employs various interview methods, with serial interviews serving as the primary tools for collecting data and identifying key themes.

Author(s): Nor Hayati Husin

Date Published: 29 July 2023

Depositing User: Basiratu Kolawole

DOI: https://doi.org/10.53555/jaz.v44iS7.3763

Keywords: Control, democracy, guided democracy, freedom, influence, power & small community

Page(s): 1966-1976

Place of publication: India

Publication title: Journal of Advanced Zoology

Published URL: https://jazindia.com/index.php/jaz/article/view/3763

Publisher: JAZ India

Subject(s): Education