From producing citizens to producing managers: Education in a globalized world

Abstract

In this chapter I argue that education cannot escape being influenced by the economic, political and cultural effects of globalization. Through an examination of the policies of national governments, agenda of international organizations such as the World Bank and UNESCO, the global practices of privatization, accountability and managerialism, I demonstrate that education is being used as a tool of neo-liberal economic reform, a process that increases inequalities and marginalizes the already unheard voices. I argue that any analysis of globalization and its impact on higher education requires stepping back from all interactions and practices and asking basic questions about what these terms imply, why they function the way they do, and whose interests they serve. A critical analysis of the transformation of universities and thus the knowledge produced is essential as it affects and infiltrates our very consciousness. I argue that while higher education is being restructured under the neo-liberal economic rationality it is important for educators to find out what will be gained and what will be lost before going ahead with such restructuring. I also contend that the neo-liberal economic rationality of globalization has framed the restructuring of education in such a manner that its function has changed from production of knowledge to production and management of wealth. As a result of accepting the dominant discourse of the globalization agenda without much critical analysis or debate regarding its consequences, education has lost its basic function of producing democratic citizens.

Citation

Arshad-Ayaz, A. (2008), "From producing citizens to producing managers: Education in a globalized world", Hopson, R.K., Camp Yeakey, C. and Musa Boakari, F. (Ed.) Power, Voice and the Public Good: Schooling and Education in Global Societies (Advances in Education in Diverse Communities, Vol. 6), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 479-506. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1479-358X(08)06018-X