Fifteenth International Conference on Interdisciplinary Social Sciences

Abstract

Education is seen as a fundamental tool in the fight against exclusion. Under the neoliberal doctrine, reforms on education have led to its economisation. These have also turned education into a mechanism that reproduces inequalities and suppresses elements of diversity, which only results in perpetuating social exclusion. Despite the radical criticism of neoliberalism’s effect on education, neoliberal educational strategies have emerged stronger in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis. The goal of this paper is to examine whether equitable, pluralistic education can be achieved within a neoliberal system that seemingly advocates diversity but ultimately results in sameness and reinforces inequality. To achieve that a critical literature review is undertaken tackling the issues of neoliberal diversity, equity in education, and the perpetuation of exclusion through the implementation of neoliberal education policies. The goal of this review is to critically assess and synthesise the literature that has been published on the subject the last decade, in an attempt to contribute to the academic dialogue regarding the future of education.