Tokyo Future University bulletin
Online ISSN : 2433-5487
Print ISSN : 1882-5273
The Intersection of Danish Folk High Schools and Community Psychology
Exploring An Educational Model Connecting Human Growth and Social Change
Etsuko Togo
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2025 Volume 19 Pages 19-29

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Translated Abstract

 This study provides an overview of the practices of the Danish folk high schools (Folkehøjskole) both domestically and internationally and examines their principles from the perspective of community psychology. First, it reviews the history of the folk high schools and outlines their key characteristics, followed by a discussion of practical examples, particularly in Nordic countries and developing countries. Next, the study examines the development and recent trends of folk high schools in Japan. A model illustrating the interrelationship between folk high schools and community psychology was created from those analyese. The results confirmed that both focus on promoting personal growth and social maturity. Specifically, folk high schools emphasize free education centered on dialogue, which empowers students (community members), encourages active participation in the community, and ultimately leads to the realization of democracy and a sustainable society. However, differences between folk high schools and community psychology were also identified. While folk high schools are specialized in promoting community awareness through education, leading to spontaneous social reform, community psychology employs psychological methods to address a broader range of social issues, with a strong emphasis on evidence-based policy recommendations.

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