Purpose of School Leadership: Transformative Praxis or a Neoliberal Turn Toward Constant Comparison

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 5
  In Roundtable Session: Alliance of Critical Educators and Researchers

Abstract

This doctoral study problematises ‘leadership’ in primary schools in Ireland. Theoretical frameworks drew from Critical Theory with an aim to understand why and how leadership is framed and to reveal whose interests are served. The study questions the purpose of leadership in supporting emancipatory practices (McLaren, 2015). Global reform policy revealed the epistemic dominance of the OECD in legitimating an ideal leadership type (OECD, 2007), also found in the literature reviewed (Blackmore, 2013; Starratt, 2007). This performativity turn was further illuminated by understandings of a purposive sample of school principals (n=101) (DES, 2017). The findings reveal a reductionist market-led discourse of leadership. The study has implications not only for Ireland but for others grappling with similar issues internationally.

Author

• Ciaran Sheehan, Bilboa National School