Population policies and education: exploring the contradictions of neo-liberal globalisation

Bovill, C. and Leppard, M. (2006) Population policies and education: exploring the contradictions of neo-liberal globalisation. Globalisation, Societies and Education, 4(3), pp. 393-414. (doi: 10.1080/14767720600955469)

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Abstract

The world is increasingly characterised by profound income, health and social inequalities (Appadurai, 2000). In recent decades development initiatives aimed at reducing these inequalities have been situated in a context of increasing globalisation with a dominant neo-liberal economic orthodoxy. This paper argues that neo-liberal globalisation contains inherent contradictions regarding choice and uniformity. This is illustrated in this paper through an exploration of the impact of neo-liberal globalisation on population policies and programmes. The dominant neo-liberal economic ideology that has influenced development over the last few decades has often led to alternative global visions being overlooked. Many current population and development debates are characterised by polarised arguments with strongly opposing aims and views. This raises the challenge of finding alternatives situated in more middle ground that both identify and promote the socially positive elements of neo-liberalism and state intervention, but also to limit their worst excesses within the population field and more broadly. This paper concludes with a discussion outling the positive nature of middle ground and other possible alternatives.

Item Type:Articles
Keywords:Choice, contradictions, developing countries, education, globalisation, population
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Bovill, Dr Catherine
Authors: Bovill, C., and Leppard, M.
Subjects:J Political Science > JZ International relations
H Social Sciences > HB Economic Theory
L Education > L Education (General)
College/School:College of Social Sciences > School of Education > Social Justice Place and Lifelong Education
College of Social Sciences > School of Education
University Services > Learning and Teaching Services Division
Journal Name:Globalisation, Societies and Education
Publisher:Taylor & Francis
ISSN:1476-7724
ISSN (Online):1476-7732
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2006 Taylor & Francis
First Published:First published in Globalisation, Societies and Education 4(3):393-414
Publisher Policy:Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher.

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