The Role of Schooling in the Maintenance and Transformation of Ethnic Boundaries Between Linguistic Communities: Contrasting Quebec and Belgium‪.‬

RESUME/ABSTRACT In this article, we contrast the situation regarding the extent of common or segregated schooling in Quebec and Belgium, societies divided by a deep-rooted conflict between linguistic communities contending for majority status. The wider social and political context, especially regarding language relations, is first presented. Then, a historical overview of the role that educational structures, policies, and programs have played in the maintenance or transformation of ethnic boundaries between linguistic communities is provided. Some elements of the current situation, which may differ depending on the specificities of each society as well as the research available, are also highlighted, and their educational and social consequences discussed. Finally, each case study provides some reflections on potential future challenges to be faced by the educational system in light of a changing reality. In the last part of the article, written jointly, we try to identify the commonalities which exist between both experiences, despite contextual differences, and to suggest hypotheses on the meaning of such trends-for both societies that need to be further explored.