Shopping for schools: parents of students with disabilities in the education marketplace in Stockholm

Abstract

This article examines the experiences of parents of students with disabilities when they shop for schools in Stockholm. It looks at the motivations behind school choice, the kinds and sources of information used and the constraints that parents encounter in the school choice process. The results, based on interviews with parents, demonstrate friendship, special support systems and school flexibility as reasons for opting for a particular school. Parents seek school-based and consumer satisfaction information, through the use of both official and unofficial sources. Parents also describe constraints such as lack of choice, information inadequacy and lack of support. The findings of this study suggest some negative implications on inclusion and equity and consumer empowerment for students with disabilities.