Conference Program

Overview and details of the sessions of this conference. Please select a date or location to show only sessions at that day or location. Please select a single session for detailed view (with abstracts and downloads if available).

 
Tue 01 Sept Wed 02 Sept Thu 03 Sept Fri 04 Sept
Tue01Sept
Aule di Botanica (CU028): Aula Blu1
Aule di Botanica (CU028): Aula Blu2
Aule di Botanica (CU028): Aula Blu3
Aule di Botanica (CU028): Aula Blu4
Aule di Botanica (CU028): Aula Blu5
Edificio ex Tumminelli (C007): Aula 13
Edificio ex Tumminelli (C007): Aula 14
Edificio ex Tumminelli (C007): Sala Sociologia
Geologia e Mineralogia (CU005): Aula "Sergio Lucchesi"
Giurisprudenza (CU002): Aula "Francesco Calasso"
Scienze Politiche (CU002): Aula C
Scienze Politiche (CU002): Aula D
Scienze Politiche (CU002): Aula 201
Scienze Politiche (CU002): Aula T02
Scienze Politiche (CU002): Aula TO1
Scienze Politiche (CU002): Aula XI "Aldo Moro"
Scienze Politiche (CU002): Aula XI Bis
Scienze Politiche (CU002): Aula XII (Multimediale)
Scienze Politiche (CU002): Aula XIII "Massimo D'Antona"
Scienze Politiche (CU002): Sala Lauree
Rettorato: Aula Magna
No specific location / location unknown
8:00am
9:00am
10:00am
11:00am
12:00pm
1:00pm
2:00pm
3:00pm
4:00pm
5:00pm
6:00pm
7:00pm
8:00pm
9:00pm
10:00pm
M.19. Digital Culture, Knowledge and Democracy
2:00pm - 3:45pm
Aule di Botanica (CU028): Aula Blu1
Location: Aule di Botanica (CU028): Aula Blu1

Convenor(s): Giovanni Brancato (Sapienza University of Rome, Italy)

G.14. Learning For Democracy: Recognising and Deconstructing Sexist Stereotypes for a More Equal Society (1/2)
9:15am - 11:00am
Aule di Botanica (CU028): Aula Blu2
Location: Aule di Botanica (CU028): Aula Blu2

Convenor(s): Flaminia Saccà (Sapienza Unviersità degli Studi di Roma); Rosalba Belmonte (Unitelma Sapienza)

G.05. Decolonial Researches between Pedagogical Horizons and Critical-Participatory Methodologies (1/2)
11:00am - 12:45pm
Aule di Botanica (CU028): Aula Blu2
Location: Aule di Botanica (CU028): Aula Blu2

Convenor(s): Rosita Deluigi (Unimc – University of Macerata, Italy); Paola Dusi (Univr – University of Verona, Italy); Davide Zoletto (Uniud – University of Udine, Italy)

G.14. Learning For Democracy: Recognising and Deconstructing Sexist Stereotypes for a More Equal Society (2/2)
2:00pm - 3:45pm
Aule di Botanica (CU028): Aula Blu2
Location: Aule di Botanica (CU028): Aula Blu2

Convenor(s): Flaminia Saccà (Sapienza Unviersità degli Studi di Roma); Rosalba Belmonte (Unitelma Sapienza)

M.11. Opacity, Subjectivity, and Pedagogy in Algorithmic Times
9:15am - 11:00am
Aule di Botanica (CU028): Aula Blu3
Location: Aule di Botanica (CU028): Aula Blu3

Convenor(s): Giovanbattista Trebisacce (Unical University Of Calabria, Italy)

H.20. Youth and Generations in the Contemporary Era: Exploring Social Change (2/2)
2:00pm - 3:45pm
Aule di Botanica (CU028): Aula Blu3
Location: Aule di Botanica (CU028): Aula Blu3

Convenor(s): Matteo Bonanni ('Sapienza' University of Rome); Benedetto Pasanisi ('Sapienza' University of Rome); Aglaia Farou ('Sapienza' University of Rome)

M.07. Learning for Democracy: Media Education and Civic Agency in Times of Disinformation (1/2)
9:15am - 11:00am
Aule di Botanica (CU028): Aula Blu4
Location: Aule di Botanica (CU028): Aula Blu4

Convenor(s): Gianna Cappello (University of Palermo, Italy); Paola Macaluso (University of Palermo, Italy); Daniela Angela Sortino (University of Palermo, Italy)

M.01. Beyond the Screen: Educational Mediation, Children’s Rights, and Digital Citizenship in Early Childhood
11:00am - 12:45pm
Aule di Botanica (CU028): Aula Blu4
Location: Aule di Botanica (CU028): Aula Blu4

Convenor(s): Gianna Cappello (University of Palermo, Italy); Maria Ranieri (University of Florence, Italy)

M.07. Learning for Democracy: Media Education and Civic Agency in Times of Disinformation (2/2)
2:00pm - 3:45pm
Aule di Botanica (CU028): Aula Blu4
Location: Aule di Botanica (CU028): Aula Blu4

Convenor(s): Gianna Cappello (University of Palermo, Italy); Paola Macaluso (University of Palermo, Italy); Daniela Angela Sortino (University of Palermo, Italy)

D.03. Economic Constraints in Educational Participation and the Design of New Policies (1/2)
9:15am - 11:00am
Aule di Botanica (CU028): Aula Blu5
Location: Aule di Botanica (CU028): Aula Blu5

Convenor(s): Raffaella Dispenza (Acli – Associazioni Cristiane Lavoratori Italiani); Luca Andrea Fanelli (ActionAid International Italia Ets); William Revello (Fondazione Ufficio Pio Ente Filantropico)

B.07. Educators as Agents of Change: Enacting Transformative Education in Practice (1/2)
11:00am - 12:45pm
Aule di Botanica (CU028): Aula Blu5
Location: Aule di Botanica (CU028): Aula Blu5

Convenor(s): Luisa Conti (University of Jena, Germany); Paolo Bonafede (Università degli Studi di Trento)

D.03. Economic Constraints in Educational Participation and the Design of New Policies (2/2)
2:00pm - 3:45pm
Aule di Botanica (CU028): Aula Blu5
Location: Aule di Botanica (CU028): Aula Blu5

Convenor(s): Raffaella Dispenza (Acli – Associazioni Cristiane Lavoratori Italiani); Luca Andrea Fanelli (ActionAid International Italia Ets); William Revello (Fondazione Ufficio Pio Ente Filantropico)

D.07. Minorities Political Socialisation At School: Educational Inequalities And Critical Stances
9:15am - 11:00am
Edificio ex Tumminelli (C007): Aula 13
Location: Edificio ex Tumminelli (C007): Aula 13

Convenor(s): Maxime Michiels (UCLouvain, Belgium)

M.02. Convivial Pedagogies for the Age of AI: Autonomy, Bias Awareness, and Democratic Non-Homogenization (1/2)
11:00am - 12:45pm
Edificio ex Tumminelli (C007): Aula 13
Location: Edificio ex Tumminelli (C007): Aula 13

Convenor(s): Tiziana Catarci (Cnr); Ines Crispini Crispini (University of Calabria); Aldo Pisano (University of Calabria)

M.02. Convivial Pedagogies for the Age of AI: Autonomy, Bias Awareness, and Democratic Non-Homogenization (2/2)
2:00pm - 3:45pm
Edificio ex Tumminelli (C007): Aula 13
Location: Edificio ex Tumminelli (C007): Aula 13

Convenor(s): Tiziana Catarci (Cnr); Ines Crispini Crispini (University of Calabria); Aldo Pisano (University of Calabria)

D.13. The Multidimensionality of Educational Poverty on the Lives of Children Living Outside Their Birth Families. A Focus on Protective Factors (1/2)
9:15am - 11:00am
Edificio ex Tumminelli (C007): Aula 14
Location: Edificio ex Tumminelli (C007): Aula 14

Convenor(s): Alessia Tabacchi (Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Italy); Anna Guerrieri (Coordinamento Care – Coordinamento delle Associazioni Familiari adottive e affidatarie, Italy)

D.13. The Multidimensionality of Educational Poverty on the Lives of Children Living Outside Their Birth Families. A Focus on Protective Factors (2/2)
2:00pm - 3:45pm
Edificio ex Tumminelli (C007): Aula 14
Location: Edificio ex Tumminelli (C007): Aula 14

Convenor(s): Alessia Tabacchi (Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Italy); Anna Guerrieri (Coordinamento Care – Coordinamento delle Associazioni Familiari adottive e affidatarie, Italy)

C.06. Rethinking Teacher Professional Development Impact: Conceptual, Methodological, and Policy Issues (1/2)
9:15am - 11:00am
Edificio ex Tumminelli (C007): Sala Sociologia
Location: Edificio ex Tumminelli (C007): Sala Sociologia

Convenor(s): Laura Parigi (Indire, Italy); Maurizio Gentile (Crespi – Centro Interuniversitario di Ricerca Educativa sulla Professionalità dell’Insegnante, Italy); Maria Elisabetta Cigognini (Indire, Italy); Elisa Truffelli (Crespi – Centro Interuniversitario di Ricerca Educativa sulla Professionalità dell’Insegnante, Italy); Margherita Di Stasio (Indire, Italy); Alessandra Rosa (Crespi – Centro Interuniversitario di Ricerca Educativa sulla Professionalità dell’Insegnante, Italy)

F.06. Learning Together, Participating Fully: Inclusion and Difference as Educational Resources (1/3)
11:00am - 12:45pm
Edificio ex Tumminelli (C007): Sala Sociologia
Location: Edificio ex Tumminelli (C007): Sala Sociologia

Convenor(s): Sara Mori (Indire, Italy); Francesca Storai (Indire, Italy); Serena Greco (Indire, Italy); Elsa Maria Bruni (Università degli Studi "G. d'Annunzio" Chieti – Pescara)

C.06. Rethinking Teacher Professional Development Impact: Conceptual, Methodological, and Policy Issues (2/2)
2:00pm - 3:45pm
Edificio ex Tumminelli (C007): Sala Sociologia
Location: Edificio ex Tumminelli (C007): Sala Sociologia

Convenor(s): Laura Parigi (Indire, Italy); Maurizio Gentile (Crespi – Centro Interuniversitario di Ricerca Educativa sulla Professionalità dell’Insegnante, Italy); Maria Elisabetta Cigognini (Indire, Italy); Elisa Truffelli (Crespi – Centro Interuniversitario di Ricerca Educativa sulla Professionalità dell’Insegnante, Italy); Margherita Di Stasio (Indire, Italy); Alessandra Rosa (Crespi – Centro Interuniversitario di Ricerca Educativa sulla Professionalità dell’Insegnante, Italy)

A.06. Learning to Learn for Democracy, Empowerment and Equity
9:15am - 11:00am
Geologia e Mineralogia (CU005): Aula "Sergio Lucchesi"
Location: Geologia e Mineralogia (CU005): Aula "Sergio Lucchesi"

Convenor(s): Cristina Stringer (INVALSI)

M.09. Navigating Complexity: Game Design, Emotions, and AI for Democratic Citizenship Education
11:00am - 12:45pm
Geologia e Mineralogia (CU005): Aula "Sergio Lucchesi"
Location: Geologia e Mineralogia (CU005): Aula "Sergio Lucchesi"

Convenor(s): Carlo Andrea Pensavalle (University of Sassari, Italy); Maria Giuliana Solinas (University of Sassari, Italy); Salvatore Fadda (University of Sassari, Italy)

🚩 [SPECIAL EVENT] A.01. A Passion for Education Policy: The Research Journey of Luciano Benadusi
2:00pm - 3:45pm
Geologia e Mineralogia (CU005): Aula "Sergio Lucchesi"
Location: Geologia e Mineralogia (CU005): Aula "Sergio Lucchesi"

Contributions by:

  • Anna Maria Ajello, former Professor of Psychology at Sapienza University of Rome and President of the Association for Democratic School.
  • Paolo Landri, Research Director at the National Research Council (CNR).
  • Donatella Palomba, former Professor of Pedagogy at the University of Rome Tor Vergata.
  • Marco Pitzalis, Full Professor at the University of Cagliari.
  • Marco Romito, Associate Professor of Sociology at the University of Milano-Bicocca
  • Assunta Viteritti Full Professor, Sociology of education, University of Rome “La Sapienza“
Chairs
Giancola, Orazio, Associate Professor of Sociology of Education,  Sapienza, University of Rome

Promoted by Associazione "Per Scuola Democratica"

Further information on special events are available on the conference website: https://www.scuolademocratica-conference.net/workshops-3/.

\n\n\n\nPromoted by Associazione \"Per Scuola Democratica\"\n\n\n\n\n\n\nChairs Orazio Giancola and Assunta Viteritti (University of Rome “La Sapienza “, Italy)Keywords education policy, social justice, inequalities, competencies\nLuciano Benadusi (founder of the journal Scuola Democratica), former Professor of Sociology of Education and former Dean of the Faculty of Sociology at the University of Rome “La Sapienza”, has developed a research trajectory marked by a sustained attention to the deeply political nature of education policy.\nEducation policy is understood not as a neutral tool for managing school systems, but as a key instrument in the governance of society. Benadusi’s work has significantly contributed to showing how education policies are shaped by public choices concerning the distribution of opportunities, the definition of rights, and the construction of citizenship. From this perspective, education emerges as a central arena of social justice, where states and institutions explicitly or implicitly determine who has access to which educational and occupational pathways. A core dimension of his reflection concerns the relationship between education and inequality: school systems can either reduce or reproduce social differences, depending on the policies adopted and the structural conditions in which they operate. The link between education and work thus becomes a crucial political issue, revealing tensions between inclusion, selection, and social stratification.\nThe seminar aims to highlight this dimension of his thought, emphasizing the political strength of his analysis: for Benadusi, studying education means interrogating the collective choices through which a society shapes its inequalities and its possibilities for transformation.\nThe seminar is dedicated to Vittorio Campione.\n
D.06. Is University Paying Off? Upwardly Mobile Students and the Meaning of Meritocratic Striving
9:15am - 11:00am
Giurisprudenza (CU002): Aula "Francesco Calasso"
Location: Giurisprudenza (CU002): Aula "Francesco Calasso"

Convenor(s): Carlos Palma-Amestoy (Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile); Flora Petrik (University of Tübingen)

A.12. When Research Becomes Policy Instrument: Academic Knowledge in Educational Governance and Possibilities for Resistance (1/2)
11:00am - 12:45pm
Giurisprudenza (CU002): Aula "Francesco Calasso"
Location: Giurisprudenza (CU002): Aula "Francesco Calasso"

Convenor(s): Magali Nonjon (Sciences po Aix, France); Ariane RIchard-Bossez (Aix-Marseille University, France)

A.12. When Research Becomes Policy Instrument: Academic Knowledge in Educational Governance and Possibilities for Resistance (2/2)
2:00pm - 3:45pm
Giurisprudenza (CU002): Aula "Francesco Calasso"
Location: Giurisprudenza (CU002): Aula "Francesco Calasso"

Convenor(s): Magali Nonjon (Sciences po Aix, France); Ariane RIchard-Bossez (Aix-Marseille University, France)

L.02. Ecological Narratives and Biodiverse Education: Reimagining Worlds Through Critical Pedagogy (1/2)
9:15am - 11:00am
Scienze Politiche (CU002): Aula C
Location: Scienze Politiche (CU002): Aula C

Convenor(s): Andrea Galimberti (University of Milano-Bicocca, Italy); Monica Guerra (University of Milano-Bicocca, Italy); Letizia Luini (University of Milano-Bicocca, Italy); Greta Persico (University of Milano-Bicocca, Italy); Monica Guerra (Università di Milano-Bicocca, Italy); Gabriella Calvano (Università di Bari, Italy)

L.02. Ecological Narratives and Biodiverse Education: Reimagining Worlds Through Critical Pedagogy (2/2)
11:00am - 12:45pm
Scienze Politiche (CU002): Aula C
Location: Scienze Politiche (CU002): Aula C

Convenor(s): Andrea Galimberti (University of Milano-Bicocca, Italy); Monica Guerra (University of Milano-Bicocca, Italy); Letizia Luini (University of Milano-Bicocca, Italy); Greta Persico (University of Milano-Bicocca, Italy); Monica Guerra (Università di Milano-Bicocca, Italy); Gabriella Calvano (Università di Bari, Italy)

L.06. Porous Educational Landscapes: Interdisciplinary Approaches to Democratic Spaces
2:00pm - 3:45pm
Scienze Politiche (CU002): Aula C
Location: Scienze Politiche (CU002): Aula C

Convenor(s): Beate Christine Weyland (Free University of Bolzano, Faculty of Education); Simona Galateo (Free University of Bolzano, Faculty of Education); Katharina Tielsch (Technische Universität Wien – Architektur und Raumplanung)

C.01. Continuity, Pedagogical Care, and Educational Justice in Hospital and Home Instruction (1/2)
9:15am - 11:00am
Scienze Politiche (CU002): Aula D
Location: Scienze Politiche (CU002): Aula D

Convenor(s): Elisabetta Faraoni (Università Niccolò Cusano, Italy); Francesco Maria Melchiori (Università Niccolò Cusano, Italy)

B.11. Psychopedagogical Perspectives on Motivational Processes and Participation in Contemporary Learning Environments
11:00am - 12:45pm
Scienze Politiche (CU002): Aula D
Location: Scienze Politiche (CU002): Aula D

Convenor(s): Sara Germani (Link Campus University, Italy); Maria Rosaria Re (Link Campus University, Italy); Sara Gabrielli (Link Campus University, Italy); Mirca Montanari (Link Campus University, Italy)

C.01. Continuity, Pedagogical Care, and Educational Justice in Hospital and Home Instruction (2/2)
2:00pm - 3:45pm
Scienze Politiche (CU002): Aula D
Location: Scienze Politiche (CU002): Aula D

Convenor(s): Elisabetta Faraoni (Università Niccolò Cusano, Italy); Francesco Maria Melchiori (Università Niccolò Cusano, Italy)

C.04. Research-based Teacher Professional Development as a Model of Professional Reflection for Teachers and Researchers (1/2)
9:15am - 11:00am
Scienze Politiche (CU002): Aula 201
Location: Scienze Politiche (CU002): Aula 201

Convenor(s): Guido Benvenuto (Sapienza University, Italy); Gabriella Agrusti (Lumsa University, Italy)

I.08. Rethinking the University: Public Engagement, Academic Autonomy and Transformative Knowledge Practices
11:00am - 12:45pm
Scienze Politiche (CU002): Aula 201
Location: Scienze Politiche (CU002): Aula 201

Convenor(s): Casavecchia Andrea (Università di Roma Tre, Italy); Barbanera Lorenzo (Università di Genova) + Stefania Chimenti (University of Calabria, Italy); Andrea De Bortoli (University of Turin, Italy); Emanuela Pascuzzi (University of Calabria, Italy)

C.04. Research-based Teacher Professional Development as a Model of Professional Reflection for Teachers and Researchers (2/2)
2:00pm - 3:45pm
Scienze Politiche (CU002): Aula 201
Location: Scienze Politiche (CU002): Aula 201

Convenor(s): Guido Benvenuto (Sapienza University, Italy); Gabriella Agrusti (Lumsa University, Italy)

G.03. Can the Children Speak? Ethical Conundrums in Fostering Young People’s Participation in Research and Education
9:15am - 11:00am
Scienze Politiche (CU002): Aula T02
Location: Scienze Politiche (CU002): Aula T02

Convenor(s): Greta Persico (University of Milano-Bicocca, Italy); Ale Blue Santambrogio (University of Enna "Kore", Italy)

G.10. Gender and Sexuality Education as Democratic Practice: Bodies, Relations, and Intimate Citizenship (1/3)
11:00am - 12:45pm
Scienze Politiche (CU002): Aula T02
Location: Scienze Politiche (CU002): Aula T02

Convenor(s): Silvia Demozzi (University of Bologna, Italy); Cosimo Marco Scarcelli (University of Padua, Italy); Giulia Selmi (University of Parma, Italy); Eleonora Bonvini (University of Bologna, Italy)

A.13. Which (Democratic) Professionalism in Neoliberal Times?
2:00pm - 3:45pm
Scienze Politiche (CU002): Aula T02
Location: Scienze Politiche (CU002): Aula T02

Convenor(s): Laura Cataldi (University of Salerno, Italy); Willem Tousijn (University of Turin); Fiorella Vinci (eCampus University)

B.03. Childhood and Democracy in the Digital Age: Building the Foundations of Active Citizenship (1/2)
9:15am - 11:00am
Scienze Politiche (CU002): Aula TO1
Location: Scienze Politiche (CU002): Aula TO1

Convenor(s): Giuseppe Valentino (UniPegaso, Italy); Francesca Marone (University Of Naples Federico Ii, Italy); Maura Striano (University Of Naples Federico Ii, Italy)

B.04. Democratic Access to Scientific Knowledge through Graphic Reasoning and Visuo-Quantitative Literacy
11:00am - 12:45pm
Scienze Politiche (CU002): Aula TO1
Location: Scienze Politiche (CU002): Aula TO1

Convenor(s): Berta Martini (Università degli Studi di Urbino); Agnese Addone (Institute for Globally Distributed Open Research and Education (Igdore)); Bruno Calza (Università degli studi di Macerata); Monica Tombolato (Università degli Studi di Urbino); Giampiero Dalai (Alpaca Società Cooperativa); Beatrice Scanferla (Università degli Studi di Urbino); Tommaso Guariento (Università Ca' Foscari Venezia); Luciano Perondi (Università Iuav di Venezia, Italy)

B.03. Childhood and Democracy in the Digital Age: Building the Foundations of Active Citizenship (2/2)
2:00pm - 3:45pm
Scienze Politiche (CU002): Aula TO1
Location: Scienze Politiche (CU002): Aula TO1

Convenor(s): Giuseppe Valentino (UniPegaso, Italy); Francesca Marone (University Of Naples Federico Ii, Italy); Maura Striano (University Of Naples Federico Ii, Italy)

H.21. Learning Democracy Across Life Contexts: Participation, Inclusion and Social Change
9:15am - 11:00am
Scienze Politiche (CU002): Aula XI "Aldo Moro"
Location: Scienze Politiche (CU002): Aula XI "Aldo Moro"

Convenor(s): Antonietta De Feo (Università Roma Tre, Italy)

E.01. Bringing Elias Back To School (And Beyond): Figurational And Processual Perspectives On Education In Troubled Times
11:00am - 12:45pm
Scienze Politiche (CU002): Aula XI "Aldo Moro"
Location: Scienze Politiche (CU002): Aula XI "Aldo Moro"

Convenor(s): Lorenzo Pedrini (Università Milano-Bicocca, Italy); Luca Bifulco (Università Milano-Bicocca, Italy)

D.15. Urban Education, Gentrification and School Segregation: Implications for Education and Social Justice
2:00pm - 3:45pm
Scienze Politiche (CU002): Aula XI Bis
Location: Scienze Politiche (CU002): Aula XI Bis

Convenor(s): Marcel Pagès (Universitat de Barcelona, Spain); Xavier Bonal (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain); Sheila Gonzalez (Universitat de Barcelona, Spain)

E.04. Civic Education Between Formal And Substantive Democracy (1/2)
9:15am - 11:00am
Scienze Politiche (CU002): Aula XII (Multimediale)
Location: Scienze Politiche (CU002): Aula XII (Multimediale)

Convenor(s): Lucia Ariemma (Università della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Italy); Andrea Millefiorini (Università della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Italy)

F.12. Inclusion Beyond Crisis: Navigating Diversity, Inequality, and Social Justice in the Schooling of Ukrainian Refugee Students in the Czech Republic
11:00am - 12:45pm
Scienze Politiche (CU002): Aula XII (Multimediale)
Location: Scienze Politiche (CU002): Aula XII (Multimediale)

Convenor(s): Martin Fico (Masaryk University, Czech Republic (Czechia)); Jarmila Bradová (Masaryk University, Czech Republic (Czechia)); Miroslav Jurčík (Masaryk University, Czech Republic (Czechia)); Lenka Ďulíková (Masaryk University, Czech Republic (Czechia)); Oksana Yuriyivna Stupak (Masaryk University, Czech Republic (Czechia)); Štefánia Sokolová (Masaryk University, Czech Republic (Czechia))

E.04. Civic Education Between Formal And Substantive Democracy (2/2)
2:00pm - 3:45pm
Scienze Politiche (CU002): Aula XII (Multimediale)
Location: Scienze Politiche (CU002): Aula XII (Multimediale)

Convenor(s): Lucia Ariemma (Università della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Italy); Andrea Millefiorini (Università della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Italy)

D.10. School Segregation Effects: the Educational and Social Impacts of Concentrated Vulnerabilities in Schools
9:15am - 11:00am
Scienze Politiche (CU002): Aula XIII "Massimo D'Antona"
Location: Scienze Politiche (CU002): Aula XIII "Massimo D'Antona"

Convenor(s): Xavier Bonal Sarrò (Autonoma University of Barcelona); Marta Cordini (Polytechnic of Milan, Italy); Costanzo Ranci Ortigosa (Polytechnic of Milan, Italy)

H.22. Youth, Transitions and Educational Inequalities: Pathways, Identities and Practices
11:00am - 12:45pm
Scienze Politiche (CU002): Aula XIII "Massimo D'Antona"
Location: Scienze Politiche (CU002): Aula XIII "Massimo D'Antona"

Convenor(s): Berenice Scandone (Polytechnic University of Milan, Italy)

B.13. Schools as Community Hubs. Learning Ecosystems for Democracy across Pedagogy, Health, Architecture, and Urban Planning (1/3)
2:00pm - 3:45pm
Scienze Politiche (CU002): Aula XIII "Massimo D'Antona"
Location: Scienze Politiche (CU002): Aula XIII "Massimo D'Antona"

Convenor(s): Giuseppina Rita Jose Mangione (Indire, Italy); Raffaella Carro (Indire, Italy)

🇮🇹 Symposium | Demographic Decline and the Future of School Systems: Constraints and Opportunities (Fondazione per la Scuola - Compagnia di San Paolo Foundation)
11:00am - 12:45pm
Scienze Politiche (CU002): Sala Lauree
Location: Scienze Politiche (CU002): Sala Lauree

Promoted by ANP – Associazione Nazionale Presidi 

\nPromoted by Fondazione per la Scuola (Compagnia di San Paolo Foundation)\n\n\n\nAcross Europe, demographic change is reshaping societies, with declining birth rates and ageing populations becoming structural features of many countries. Italy represents one of the most pronounced cases of this trend, with a sustained and significant reduction in births over the past decades.\nWhile the economic and social implications of demographic decline are widely discussed, its consequences for education remain insufficiently addressed. The progressive reduction of the school-age population is already producing declining enrolments, fewer classes, and — in some areas — the closure or consolidation of schools. In rural, inner, and peripheral areas, the contraction of school networks risks weakening access to education and reinforcing territorial inequalities. In urban contexts, demographic decline interacts with residential segregation and school choice, potentially reshaping the social composition of schools and amplifying inequalities.\nA critical but often overlooked dimension concerns the teaching workforce. Demographic decline is expected to reduce demand for teachers, raising challenges related to workforce planning, recruitment, and retention. Without strategic policy responses, there is a risk of a purely proportional reduction in teaching staff, potentially undermining the attractiveness of the profession and limiting opportunities for generational renewal.\nDemographic decline is not merely a quantitative contraction, but a structural transformation affecting school organisation, resource allocation, and classroom composition. At the same time, it opens a policy window: fewer students may allow for improved student–teacher ratios, more personalised learning, and innovative organisational models — if supported by appropriate strategic choices.\nThe symposium explores these challenges with the school system as the main unit of analysis, combining demographic, territorial, and educational policy perspectives. It aims to move beyond a defensive approach centred on cost containment, and to discuss how demographic change can be leveraged as an opportunity to redesign school systems, improve quality, and strengthen equity.\n\n\nKey Questions\n\nWhat demographic scenarios are most relevant for the future of school systems, and how should they inform long-term planning?\nHow does demographic decline reshape school networks, territorial inequalities, and the teaching workforce?\nCan demographic decline be leveraged as an opportunity to redesign school systems and improve equity and quality, rather than leading to proportional downsizing?\n\n\n\nProgramme (2 hours – in Italian)\nWELCOME\n\nGiulia Guglielmini – President, Fondazione per la Scuola\n\nPRESENTATIONS\n\nCristina Solera – Università degli Studi di Torino | Too few children: by choice or by constraint? Low fertility in Italy in a comparative perspective\nRoberto Ricci – President, INVALSI | Rethinking school systems: organisation, quality and equity\n\n \nPANEL DISCUSSION: FROM DEMOGRAPHIC DECLINE TO POLICY AND PRACTICE\nChaired by Giulia Guglielmini, Fondazione per la Scuola\n\nRoberto Ricci – President, INVALSI\nGiuseppina Rita José Mangione – Researcher, INDIRE\nAlessandro Clavarino – Head, Genoa Provincial School Office\n\n
🇮🇹 Symposium | Learning for Democracy / Democracy for Learning: Gender Stereotypes and the Development of Competencies (INVALSI and Banca D'Italia)
2:00pm - 3:45pm
Scienze Politiche (CU002): Sala Lauree
Location: Scienze Politiche (CU002): Sala Lauree

Promoted by INVALSI and Banca d'Italia

\nPromoted by INVALSI and Banca d\'Italia\n\n\n\n\nDespite progress in recent decades, significant gender gaps persist in students’ disciplinary and transversal competencies. The literature shows that such inequalities are strongly shaped by cultural stereotypes, social expectations, and interactions among students, teachers, and families.\nGender gaps emerge early: evidence on adolescents indicates that socioeconomic status and family attitudes towards gender roles significantly influence performance differences between girls and boys, with effects that are amplified in contexts characterised by greater cultural and material inequalities. Teachers also play a crucial role: numerous studies document that implicit teacher stereotypes can widen the gender gap, particularly in mathematics and quantitative reasoning.\nSimilar gaps are observed in financial literacy, where girls and women show lower levels of competence — including in non-numerical tasks. Gender stereotypes can heighten financial anxiety, reduce self-confidence, and impair performance in situations perceived as ‘masculine’. Recent research further shows that, even among finance students with comparable knowledge, girls are less inclined to seize advantageous economic opportunities, revealing a persistent behavioural gap affecting economic choices and future career trajectories.\nIn line with the conference theme Learning for Democracy / Democracy for Learning, the symposium explores how gender stereotypes influence the formation of competencies fundamental to democratic participation. Strong cognitive competencies, socio-emotional capacities such as agency and self-efficacy, and informed decision-making skills are essential preconditions for active and responsible citizenship. School environments informed by democratic practices — participation, collaboration, mutual recognition — can mitigate the impact of stereotypes and foster more equitable and inclusive competency development.\nThe symposium adopts an interdisciplinary approach, integrating perspectives from economics of education, developmental psychology, sociology, and teacher education research.\n\n\nProgramme (2 hours – in Italian)\nKEYNOTES (60 MINUTES)\nTo be confirmed\nPOLICY PANEL (40 MINUTES)\n\nINVALSI\nINDIRE\nBanca d’Italia\nMIM – Ministero dell’Istruzione e del Merito\n\nOPEN DISCUSSION\n20 minutes\n
★ Plenary #1. KEYNOTE LECTURE | Paolo Landri: "Reimagining the Democratic School: A Socio-Ecological Perspective"
5:00pm - 7:00pm
Rettorato: Aula Magna
Location: Rettorato: Aula Magna

Opening and Introduction Antonella Polimeni (Sapienza University, Rector); Pierpaolo D’Urso (Sapienza University, Dean of the Faculty of Political Science, Sociology, and Communication); Emma Galli (Sapienza University, Director of the Department of Social Sciences and Economics); Anna Maria Ajello (President of the Association "Per Scuola Democratica")

KEYNOTE LECTURE Paolo Landri (CNR-IRISS): "Reimagining the Democratic School: A Socio-Ecological Perspective"

Chair Assunta Viteritti (Sapienza University | Scuola Democratica)

Musical Opening MuSa, Sapienza Orchestra

We live in a world of polycrisis, in an age of catastrophes, in a habitat suffering the negative effects of our modes of production. We move within a framework of geopolitical tensions that translate into wars and conflicts between competing imperialisms. The development of digital technologies and artificial intelligence is driven by a handful of tech companies that decisively shape the production and circulation of information and knowledge. Within this context, the democratic school, as an institutional configuration, is under attack. Is this an irreversible crisis? A dream that has run its course? Should we resign ourselves to a post-democratic scenario dominated by force and economic interests? This keynote argues instead that the democratic school project requires an update, a new overall vision: the socio-ecological perspective. From a socio-ecological standpoint, the school is called upon to reimagine itself as an open relational ecosystem, in which learning, territories, communities and natural environments co-evolve. The presentation explores the potential of the socio-ecological approach in fostering an inclusive, situated and generative school, capable of forming critical and responsible subjects in the face of the challenges of the present and the future.
☕️ WELCOME COFFEE
8:00am - 10:00am
📍 REGISTRATION
8:30am - 7:00pm
🍴 LUNCH BREAK
12:45pm - 2:00pm
☕️ COFFEE BREAK
3:45pm - 4:30pm
🍸 SOCIAL EVENT | Welcome Aperitif — Beats for Democracy, Democracy for Beats | Hip Hop Performance
7:30pm - 10:00pm

The social event Beats for Democracy, Democracy for Beats — Welcome Aperitif & Hip Hop Performance will take place on 1 September 2026 at Sapienza University of Rome, Città Universitaria, Scalinata della Minerva (Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, Rome).

Tickets can be purchased until 20 July through the personal area of participants registered for the conference.

Further info about the social events of the conference can be found at: https://www.scuolademocratica-conference.net/social-events/.