Political economy analysis (PEA) is a means of unpacking the historical, cultural, social, political and economic factors and relationships that shape education systems, policymaking and interventions. In this section we explore different methods and tools for political economy analysis, together with ethical and theoretical frameworks for researching education systems in contexts of conflict and crisis.

Guiding questions include:

What is political economy analysis and why is it useful for understanding education systems in times of conflict and crisis?
In what ways are the tools for political economy analysis shaped by different theoretical perspectives and agendas?
What are the ethical considerations for planning and conducting research on education in contexts of conflict and crisis?

Lectures

Methods and ethics for PEA of education and conflict: 1. Overview and debates

Lecture slides: Overview and debates.pdf

Methods and ethics for PEA of education and conflict: 2. Applying PEA frameworks

Lecture slides: Applying PEA frameworks.pdf

Methods and ethics for PEA of education and conflict: 3. Ethics of researching education in conflict and crisis

Lecture slides: Ethics.pdf

Open access publications

Background Study on Political Economy of Education Tools
Citation: Daoust, G. and Novelli, M. (2020). Background Study on Political Economy of Education Tools, PEER Working Paper 1 (By reviewing different political economy approaches, linked to a range of theoretical perspectives and agendas, this paper provides practical guidance on doing political economy analysis (PEA) in the field of education, conflict and crisis, along with examples of tools to critically reflect on underlying assumptions and potential blind spots).

The Political Economy of Society and Education in Central Asia. A Scoping Literature Review
Citation: Tabaeva, A., Ozawa, V., Durrani, N. & Thibault, H. (2021). The Political Economy of Society and Education in Central Asia. A Scoping Literature Review. PEER Working Paper 2. PEER Working Paper 2.

The Political Economy of Education Systems in Conflict-Affected Contexts in a Changed World Order 2021: A Narrative Literature Review
Citation: Selenica, E. & Novelli, M. (2021) The Political Economy of Education Systems in Conflict-Affected Contexts in a Changed World Order 2021: A Narrative Literature Review. PEER Working Paper 3.

The 4 Rs Framework: Analyzing Education’s Contribution to Sustainable Peacebuilding with Social Justice in Conflict-Affected Contexts
Citation: Novelli, M., Lopes Cardozo, M. & and Smith, A. (2017). The 4 Rs Framework: Analyzing Education’s Contribution to Sustainable Peacebuilding with Social Justice in Conflict-Affected Contexts. Journal on Education in Emergencies, 3(1), pp. 14-43. (The 4Rs framework is an analytical tool that allows researchers, policy-developers and practitioners to grasp the interconnected dimensions that shape and drive education systems, practices and outcomes in conflict affected contexts).

Toolkit for Collecting and Analyzing Data on Attacks on Education
Citation: Global Coalition to Protect Education from Attack (GCPEA) (2021). Toolkit for Collecting and Analyzing Data on Attacks on Education. Working Draft. January 2021. New York: GCPEA.

A User Guide to Feminist Political Economy
Citation: Isakovic, N.P. (2018). A User Guide to Feminist Political Economy, Women's International League for Peace and Freedom.

Publications cited in lectures

Education Sector Governance, Inequity, Conflict, and Peacebuilding in South Sudan

Citation: Novelli, M., Daoust, G., Selby, J. et al. (2016). Education Sector Governance, Inequality, Conflict and Peacebuilding in South Sudan. Nairobi: UNICEF Eastern and Southern Regional Office.

Guidance on Safeguarding in International Development Research

Balch, A., Garimella, S., Mansarayet, B., Renton, R., et al. (2020). Guidance on safeguarding in international development research. London: UKCDR.

Reflection and discussion