Entrepreneurial Influence in Brazilian Education Policies: The Case of Todos pela Educação

• In Event: The Global Education Industry: The Role of Corporations and Philanthropies in Setting Education Agendas

Abstract

The influence of the private sector in Brazilian education policies has gradually increased. Corporate organizations have often formed mutual pacts for actions and they now take part in decisions in all structural levels of the government (Executive and Legislative branches of federal, state, and local agencies). They include institutes, foundations, alliances, among which, the movement called ‘Todos pela Educação’ (TPE – All for Education), which is the analytical focus of this study, stands out. We aim to present this coalition of corporate actors by discussing its objectives and main strategies to influence Brazilian education policies.
On the day of its public presentation, the TPE launched a set of measurable targets on education, which would be easily understood and accepted by Brazilian society and governmental actors. Composed of entrepreneurs, ‘Third Sector’ organisations, and government representatives, this coalition proposes the reorganization of public education toward a national project based on co-responsibility for improving education quality standards. TPE acts, strategically, as a broad coalition, organizing itself in a dense network, at the same time that it operates as a ‘Think Tank’ on education. It has massive support from the media, backing of a qualified technical team, and the advantage of working inside-out the State.
On the basis of the TPE case study, this research identifies signs of a recent restructuration process of education policymaking in Brazil. In this new phase, entrepreneurs seek to strengthen the operational capability of governmental apparatus (and the school itself), assuming the command of the process.
The study is based on semi-structured interviews to members of the TPE movement and to other key informants, as well as on document analysis of the publications produced by the TPE between 2006 and 2012.

Authors

• Erika Moreira Martins, Campinas University

• Nora Rut Krawczyk, Campinas State University