The Global Business of Education. Approaches, Issues, Critical Directions

Parreira do Amaral, Marcelo; Jornitz, Sieglinde; Amos, Karin

Abstract

The Global Business of Education aims to explore the rich and multifaceted topic of the ‘business of education’ in a broad, international and interdisciplinary manner. It systematically presents current knowledge on central themes surrounding education as a business sector. It provides readers both with a rationale for examining the different facets of the topics and with a systematic, analytical conceptualization of the global business of education, interlinking different perspectives that are crucial to understanding the various activities and phenomena covered in the volume. Written from an interdisciplinary perspective, the chapters not only examine the impact of the economic and commercial spheres on education, but also critically reflect on the unintended consequences of pedagogical practices from an educational viewpoint. By taking a systemic view and an interdisciplinary approach to the topic, the chapters broaden the scope of the research object, focusing not exclusively on changes in the production and consumption of educational goods and services, nor solely on major players in this sector. This enables the varying manifestations of the phenomena to be grasped. The book adopts a plurality of conceptual perspectives to understand developments in the field, featuring diverse economic theories and integrating non-economic perspectives that highlight socio-cultural, philosophical and other dimensions. The book opens up lines of thought that could lead to alternatives being considered, particularly with regard to moving beyond the sectorial focus on education and drawing on broader critical discussions that challenge the 'business as usual' approach of much of the debate. Finally, the chapters are authored by established and emerging scholars from different continents, offering a variety of perspectives. This international perspective sheds light on the differences that business ideas and economic approaches bring to education systems in different political circumstances. A country's political stability and economic foundation are important factors in determining the stability of its education system.  This is linked to how strong or weak the political framework for opening up the education system to the market is. The contributions in this Volume illuminate that the business effect on certain countries provide a deeper understanding of the benefits and disadvantages of the education system and its societal mandate.