This book examines and theorizes the dynamics and complexities of leadership in citizenship education in junior secondary schools in Shanghai, China. Specifically, it examines from a macro- and micro-political theoretical perspective the interactions between principals and school party secretaries (SPSs), and how they respond to the demands of macro- and micro-political actors. This qualitative empirical research found four major school leadership/citizenship education scenarios in which principals and SPSs addressed the interests of different macro- and micro-political actors. Moreover, principals and SPSs enjoyed a complicated working relationship at the micro-political (school) level in which they collaborated to fulfill their responsibilities and respond to school macro- and micro-political actors, while competing for power over leadership in citizenship education. Principals' and SPSs' leadership in citizenship education was shaped by inter-related factors, including diverse influences in a multi-leveled world, the integration of politics and education, the demands of macro- and micro-political actors, and personal factors. To interpret these findings, this study proposes a theoretical framework for understanding leadership in citizenship education in China as a political exercise. This theoretical framework is useful for understanding the complexity of school and citizenship education leadership, the micro-political relationship between Chinese principals and SPSs, and their dynamic and complex interactions with macro- and micro-political actors.

Autorentext
Shuqin Xu graduated from Faculty of Education at the University of Hong Kong in 2013. Currently, she is  a lecturer in Sun Yat-Sen University. Her main research areas include school leadership, citizenship education, education policy, education and social change in China.

Inhalt
Chapter 1 Introduction.- Chapter 2 CE and School Leadership: Theoretical Perspectives.- Chapter 3 Social Change, School Leadership and CE in China: A Historical Review.- Chapter 4 A General Picture of School Leadership and CE in Shanghai.- Chapter 5 School Leaders' Perceptions and Responses to the CPC-Led State's Policies and Requirements: Four Major Scenarios.- Chapter 6 Complicated Working Relationship between Principals and SPSs: Coexistence of Cooperation and Contention.- Chapter 7 Factors shaping School Leadership in CE.- Chapter 8 Discussion and Conclusion: School Leadership in CE as a Political Exercise.