Education and Fragility: A Synthesis of the Literature

The purpose of this paper is to provide a synthesis of the emerging literature in the field of education and fragility. We examine the various attempts to capture the contexts of fragility in a pragmatic manner, from both an operational and a policy-making perspective. We review the macro, state-centric definitions of fragility, which highlight the importance of the state and its institutions in driving fragility and as a partner for change, but also look at the limitations of this perspective. We then turn to more micro-level approaches to capturing the contexts of fragility, showing its difference from conflict, and looking in particular at more cross-sectoral and societal characteristics of fragility. Ultimately, we conclude this paper by acknowledging that, in practical terms, practitioners and donors are using both perspectives to guide their work in education and fragility.