Imagining Social Justice in a Neoliberal Classroom

• In Event: Women's Studies in the neoliberal university: Generating feminist leadership, citizenship and activism

Abstract

At a time when interdisciplinarity is the future of research, and neoliberal framework the future of higher education, what are the challenges for feminist pedagogy and epistemology within the classrooms? Using the experience of teaching at a comprehensive undergraduate public university, this paper looks at how the theoretical foundations of ‘Women’s Studies’ are in tension with the neoliberal demands of the institution. A key focus will be the delivery of ‘portable skills’ for market which is often in conflict with the pedagogical vision of enabling critical thinking citizens as part of enabling the ‘public good’.

Presenter

• Vidya Kalaramadam, William Paterson University