Chapter 1: The Challenges of Neoliberalism in Education: Implications for Student Engagement

There is no doubt that we live in what has been referred to as “neoliberal times.” Neoliberalism, which has its roots in liberalism, has become the dominant ideology since the early 1980s both in economics and politics, but also in other areas such as education. Neoliberalism has taken different forms, and this is why we refer to “neoliberal discourses.” However, these discourses rest on a certain way of life and beliefs which have impacted our daily lives including schooling. In its root sense, the term “neoliberalism” simply means a new form of liberalism. The term has not generally been used by those who are associated with neoliberal thinking and policies. It is mostly used by critics of neoliberalism. Hence it is crucial that we clarify what is meant by the term “neoliberalism.”