A structural analysis of the R. Kahane code of informality: elements toward a theory of informal education

Reuven Kahane's code of informality, which identifies and defines eight "internal
structural components," provides one of the few theoretical guides in the field of informal
education. As a contribution to the development of a theoretical basis for empirical
studies in this field, we wanted to uncover the underlying structural organization of these
internal structural components. In a multidimensional analysis of Kahane's data, we
found this structure of Kahane's eight components of informality along two axes. The
first represents objects to which the structural components are applied group, content,
and activities. The second axis illustrates the components' expected impact-a process
beginning with identification, moving through experimentation, and culminating in commitment.
The process of experimentation represents a major contribution to the field on
Kahane's part and is especially relevant to an understanding of education in a "postmodem"
era. However, we found two gaps in the structure, possibly indicating missing
components. Further analysis suggests that three of the components (modularity, pragmatic
symbolism, and voluntarism) form a foundation of this structure and may be the
minimal requirements for an understanding of informal activities and organizations.