Interdisciplinary perspectives on education inequalities: exploring alternatives to the ‘Neoliberalism’ Critique

In this symposium, we explore the economics of schooling within the contemporary and global knowledge economy. We take up an interdisciplinary perspective to examine educational reform that is concerned with accountability and transparency, productivity and efficiency (Rizvi & Lingard, 2010). The driving theme within our symposium is to critique the role of economic theories and philosophies, and the recognition of complex social, cultural and political contexts in which global reforms are transpiring. With the ever-increasing deconstruction and destabilization of professional educators, public schooling, and the ongoing presence of international comparisons and charter schools, there is a need to further conceptualize and understand the economic drivers that propel these reforms. We look to illustrate the convergence of policy and the convergence of economics in the global education market.