Democratic schooling practices in the Republic of Ireland: the gaps between the rhetoric and reality

Drawing upon the writings of Maxine Greene and Paolo Freire, this article explores the necessary conditions for the advancement of education for democracy in the context of modern post-industrial societies, with a focus on schooling in the Republic of Ireland. The article charts a general topography of the Republic of Ireland in relation to the democratic project. For that purpose, particular attention will be paid to the changing influence of ‘theocentric’ and ‘mercantile’ ideologies of education. Educators are keenly aware of the relationality that exists between particular schooling practices and the flourishing of education for democracy. Conversely, they are also very conscious of the fact that certain schooling practices can severely impede the democratic project in society. In order to situate the study in teacher education practices, the article examines the potential of ‘service-learning’ to advance the project of education, especially with respect to its democratic remit.