Why are interest groups on the march in Europe? How do they become so powerful? Why do reformers struggle with plans to overhaul education systems? In Who Controls Education?, Susanne Wiborg investigates the dynamics of educational interest groups across four European countries: England, France, Germany and Sweden, alongside their counterparts in the European Union. She delves into why some groups wield more power than others and how they gain access to policymaking venues to shape education reforms. The book reveals a gap between reformers' intentions and policy outcomes, often attributed to group politics, with significant consequences for education users, historically a weak organisational group. Wiborg shows that addressing the role of vested interest is crucial for creating an education system where all children benefit.

‘Through rigorous research across England, France, Germany and Sweden, Wiborg reveals how teachers' unions and education interest groups have become masterful political actors in Europe. This groundbreaking study shows how these organisations shape education policy at every level, from local schools to EU institutions, transforming our understanding of modern education governance.'

Daniel DiSalvo - Professor of Political Science, City College of New York–CUNY

‘Susanne Wiborg's analyses provide a fantastic basis for deepening our understanding of the role and strategies of interest groups in the field of education. The analyses support the development of theories on vested interests and provide a basis for all researchers and students with an interest in education policy issues.'

Rita Nikolai - Professor for Comparative Education, University of Augsburg, Germany