Social Functions of Non-formal Education and Added Value in Development

In: Pedagogika: naučno spisanie = Pedagogy : Bulgarian journal of educational research and practice, S. 97-197

Abstract

The article discusses essential characteristics of the social functions of non-formal education in the present day. The way of carrying out the main functions is examined in relation to some trends in postmodern society and its specific crisis and risk features. The review and analysis of social functions was done through a survey of conceptual and empirical studies in the field of non-formal education and ongoing research conducted through semi-structured interview with students participating in non-formal education activities, parents and teachers in non-formal education services. The possibilities and limitations in performing the functions are considered in relation to globalization and individualization of public life, a new constellation of peer relationships, the growth of consumer culture, the culture of immediacy and easy-culture.