Unraveling Education Markets: Embracing the Quadruple Movement for Transformative Change

• In Event: Markets and Education

Proposal

This paper critically examines the impact of neoliberal ideologies on education, with a particular focus on the Chilean context as a prominent case study. The far-reaching influence of neoliberalism has resulted in the commodification of social services and the widespread prevalence of market-based regulations, including in the education sector. Despite efforts to resist neoliberal policies, education markets continue to expand, leading to persistent privatization worldwide.

Drawing upon extensive fieldwork and employing a qualitative research methodology, our analysis delves into the complex dynamics of education privatization and de-privatization in Chile between 1981 and 2019. The study analyzes the hegemonic and counter-hegemonic discourses in education, exploring their development and the underlying reasons that contributed to Chile becoming one of the most privatised educational systems globally.

In our exploration of the Quadruple Movement, which builds upon ideas from Karl Polanyi and Nancy Fraser, reimagined within the realm of education markets, we offer a powerful theoretical framework to critically assess the influence of neoliberal ideologies and envision alternative educational approaches.

The process of education privatization involves transforming social relations in service provision and funding while retaining existing ownership structures. This transformation significantly impacts how educational systems are managed, financed, assessed, and controlled, thereby influencing the very nature of education's impact on society.

By applying the Quadruple Movement to the Chilean context during our fieldwork, we gain valuable insights into the rapid transformation of the educational system into an educational market. By examining the "fault lines" of privatization in Chile, we confront the complexities and contradictions arising from this process, paving the way for new visions that challenge conventional notions of public and private education.

Unmaking education markets requires transcending the ideological confines of the market regime. Embracing the Quadruple Movement encourages open discussions about education's societal value and reimagining the public's role in education. This promotes the creation of a sustainable and equitable education system that enriches individuals and society as a whole.

In conclusion, this paper provides a critical examination of the influence of neoliberal ideologies on education, contextualized within the Chilean educational landscape. Through the lens of the Quadruple Movement, we offer a fresh perspective to rethink education, prioritizing social justice, equity, and democratic values. As researchers and educators, it is our responsibility to challenge prevailing narratives and explore innovative approaches, aiming to build a future where education serves as a catalyst for social transformation.

Author

• mariano rosenzvaig-hernandez, Faculty of Education, University of Cambridge