Enhancing the participation of immigrant families in schools through Intermediary Organizations? The case of Parents’ Associations in Catalonia

Abstract

This paper discusses the results of an action-research project developed in a federation of Parents Associations (PAs) in Catalonia, aimed at helping PAs involve immigrant families. First, I nuance the idea of participation in schools to highlight some of the problems associated with participative initiatives targeting ‘hard to reach’ parents. Then, I borrow the notion of Intermediary Organizations (IOs) to assess in what ways PAs may be able to become a valuable resource to help schools involve immigrant parents. In this regard, I analyse the situation of Pas located in multicultural contexts. Then, three specific PA projects are discussed to illustrate PA’s strengths and weaknesses when leading their own projects. In conclusion, I argue that, in order to work as truly IOs, PAs must: (a) build on the experiences of successful PAs leading projects; (b) strengthen their organizational closure; and (c) lessen their responsibility to carry on important school services.

Keywords:

• Participation
• family–school relations
• Intermediary Organizations
• Parents’ Associations
• immigrant families
• Spain

Notes

1. Whereas most parents in schools are affiliated at PAs in order to benefit from their services, only a tiny proportion is involved in the assembly or the organization of services. I refer to this involvement to define the structure of each PA.