The field of Comparative and International Education (CIE) has seen a significant shift in its approach to case study research. Once considered a mere alternative to comparative studies, case study methodology has gained prominence, particularly in the context of globalization and the increasing need for contextually and culturally sensitive research. This renewed interest in A Comparative Case Study approach allows researchers to delve deeper into the complexities of educational phenomena, moving beyond simplistic comparisons and embracing the dynamic and interconnected nature of global educational landscapes.
The Evolution of Case Study Research in CIE
Historically, CIE research often favored either single-country contextualized comparisons or large-scale, decontextualized cross-national studies. These approaches, while valuable, often struggled to adequately address the nuances of culture and context. The rise of globalization and internationalization, however, prompted a critical rethinking of these methodologies. Scholars began to recognize the limitations of treating cases as isolated entities and the need for approaches that could capture the interconnectedness of global educational processes. This led to a greater acceptance of a comparative case study as a powerful tool for investigating the complexities of education policy and practice in a globalized world.
A Comparative Case Study: Embracing Complexity
Contemporary case study research in CIE emphasizes the emergent and dynamic nature of social phenomena. Rather than viewing cases as pre-existing entities waiting to be discovered, researchers now engage in a process of “casing,” actively constructing their cases and acknowledging the fluid boundaries between phenomenon and context. This approach recognizes that cases are complex systems, influenced by a multitude of factors operating across various scales of time and space. This necessitates a comparative case study approach that can account for these multi-layered influences.
Furthermore, a comparative case study must account for the evolving nature of context itself. Globalization has blurred traditional boundaries and highlighted the interconnectedness of local, national, and global contexts. Researchers must therefore consider the “context of contexts,” recognizing that contexts are not static containers but rather dynamic processes that shape and are shaped by educational phenomena. This requires a move beyond simplistic notions of context and an embrace of the complex interplay of factors that influence educational outcomes.
Beyond Dichotomies: Causation and Socio-Cultural Practices
A comparative case study methodology allows researchers to transcend traditional dichotomies in understanding causation. Moving beyond linear models, this approach embraces a configurational understanding of causality, recognizing that outcomes are shaped by complex interactions between multiple factors within specific contexts. This focus on processes and causal mechanisms provides a more nuanced understanding of how and why educational phenomena unfold.
Moreover, contemporary case study research in CIE views education as a socio-cultural practice. This perspective emphasizes the role of social actors, power dynamics, and meaning-making processes in shaping educational realities. A comparative case study, therefore, must be sensitive to these cultural nuances and examine how they influence educational policies and practices across different contexts.
The Comparative Case Study Approach: Horizontal, Vertical, and Transversal Dimensions
To address the complexities of global education, researchers have proposed a comparative case study approach that incorporates horizontal, vertical, and transversal dimensions of comparison.
- Horizontal comparison: Examines how similar educational phenomena unfold in different contexts at the same scale.
- Vertical comparison: Analyzes the interplay of actors and influences across different scales, from the local to the global.
- Transversal comparison: Situates the phenomenon within its historical context, recognizing the influence of past events on present realities.
By integrating these three dimensions, a comparative case study provides a comprehensive understanding of educational phenomena, capturing their complexity and interconnectedness across space, time, and scale. This approach allows for a more nuanced and insightful analysis of global education, contributing to a richer understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing education systems worldwide. It moves beyond simply describing what happens in different contexts to explaining how and why these differences occur. This focus on “studying through” phenomena makes a comparative case study a powerful tool for advancing knowledge in the field of CIE.
