Neoliberalism, Education and Curriculum

Abstract

Everywhere we look these days there is evidence of education being understood as an economic good. Parents navigate education markets in the hope of choosing the best school for their children. Policymakers talk about the economic benefits of increasing young people's literacy and numeracy skills. University student compare the future financial pay-offs associated with one university degree or another. We also see public schools increasingly operate like private businesses, as competition intensifies between schools. More than ever before, school principals are positioned as managers, accountable to the needs and wishes of clients (parents and students). Schools now adopt sophisticated marke..