The use of ideal types in educational policy analysis: a step-by-step guide

While various studies have incorporated the use of ideal types as part of educational policy analysis in the past, there exists a lack of distinct guidance and support on how to appropriately implement this approach. This article attempts to address this gap by presenting a worked example and providing a systematic step-by-step guide on the use of ideal types in educational policy analysis. For illustrative purposes, the worked example of a newly developed subject syllabus, due to be first implemented within Irish second-level schools in September 2025, was analysed using three identified ideal types. The article details six phases of using ideal types to support educational policy analysis and employing the worked example provides guidance on how to complete each of these phases. During each phase of the analysis, the article provides clear examples guiding the practical steps that can be taken by researchers. While the data employed in the article relates to environmental sustainability and a newly developed subject syllabus, the worked example offers guidance on the utilization of ideal types that is easily transferable to other areas of educational policy analysis.