Taking on Neoliberalism: Teaching From a Social Democratic or Reformist Left Perspective

• In Event: John Dewey and Issues of Justice

Abstract

This paper makes the case that civil society and democracy are threatened in both the United States and Canada because of the economic rationality known as neoliberalism. Powerful discourses in the media and elsewhere promote the deregulation of industry, the privatization of the commons, and the end of collective bargaining rights. In countries where social democracy is a major influence, neoliberal forces have been less successful in entrenching the values of corporate capitalism. There is widespread ignorance around the potential of social democracy to oppose neoliberalism. The paper makes a case that social democratic values should be understood and taught in the schools, and also offers examples of successful pedagogy to meet those aims.

Authors

• Paul Michael Orlowski, University of Saskatchewan

• Paul S. Shaker, Simon Fraser University