Neoliberal Discourse in the Free College Movement: Private-Sector Priorities in Tuition-Free Legislation

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session 14
  In Roundtable Session: Examining Discourses and Responses to Critical Issues (Table 18)

Abstract

The tuition-free agenda is an exciting prospect for proponents of higher education looking to reduce the cost burden faced by students and families. However, under the guise of neoliberal ideology, educational policy networks have been reshaped by private sector actors who have labored to reform higher education under pro-market ideals. Under this neoliberal influence, higher education policy is crafted to benefit private sector actors at the expense of the public. This qualitative, critical policy analysis investigates the discourse contained within tuition-free legislation to understand how neoliberal ideology influences the policy formation of tuition-free programs. Results reveal a dual discourse surrounding the tuition-free movement – access and workforce, but that private sector actors have an outsized role in program implementation.

Author

• Matthew P. Ison, Northern Illinois University