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Exploring the Inherent Tensions at the Nexus of Education for Sustainable Development and Neoliberalism

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  • Matthew Schulte

    (Matthew Schulte, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath, United Kingdom. E-mail: mjs243@bath.ac.uk)

Abstract

To overcome the anthropogenic and global issues facing humanity today, young people will require a level of democracy, citizenship and altruism that is lacking in our current education system and is often antagonistic to the dominant neoliberal values, structures and underlying assumptions of our increasingly globalized education systems. This article explores the inherent tension between education for sustainable development within a neoliberal political and economic system, through conducting post-structural policy analysis on SDG 4—Target 4.7. This process highlights a highly politicized education development agenda that problematizes both the current state of the world and global education systems as failing to equip young people with the knowledge and skill necessary to promote sustainable development. This leads to a range of discursive and lived effects including the increased reliance on transnational organizations, increasing performativity in schools and the subjectification of teachers and students.

Suggested Citation

  • Matthew Schulte, 2022. "Exploring the Inherent Tensions at the Nexus of Education for Sustainable Development and Neoliberalism," Journal of Education for Sustainable Development, , vol. 16(1-2), pages 80-101, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:jousus:v:16:y:2022:i:1-2:p:80-101
    DOI: 10.1177/09734082221118621
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. David Hulme, 2009. "The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs): A Short History of the World’s Biggest Promise," Global Development Institute Working Paper Series 10009, GDI, The University of Manchester.
    2. Emmanuel Kumi & Albert Arhin & Thomas Yeboah, 2014. "Can post-2015 sustainable development goals survive neoliberalism? A critical examination of the sustainable development–neoliberalism nexus in developing countries," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 16(3), pages 539-554, June.
    3. United Nations UN, 2015. "Transforming our World: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development," Working Papers id:7559, eSocialSciences.
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