Purpose
The study investigates how commercial actors within the kindergarten sector in Norway attempt to influence national kindergarten policy processes. The research question is: How do commercial kindergarten actors contribute to gradual institutional change by negotiating their own position and legitimacy in the Norwegian kindergarten sector?
Result
The results show that commercial kindergarten actors argue that their organisational structure gives them an advantage in delivering high-quality and cost-effective services. They find that the proposed regulations challenge their business model, especially when it comes to the requirement to organise each individual kindergarten as an independent legal entity. Despite this, they support the establishment of a national economic audit centre to ensure the effective use of public funds in private kindergartens. The study shows that these actors are trying to influence national policy in order to maintain and strengthen their position, while working to ensure equal treatment between private and municipal kindergartens.
Design
The study is based on a qualitative analysis of written feedback from seven major commercial kindergarten actors in Norway. This feedback was given in connection with a public hearing in 2019, where new regulations for private kindergartens were proposed. The analysis focuses on how these actors formulate arguments and the terms they use to strengthen their position in the sector. The hearing material was analysed through a repetitive process, with frequently used terms and lines of argument being identified and interpreted.
References
Haugset, A. S. (2022). Negotiating the value of 'corporations' capital' in Norwegian Early Childhood Education and Care provision. Nordic Journal of Studies in Educational Policy, 8(1), 30–41.
Online year: 2021
Issue year: 2022
Review year: 2022