Globalisation, Education and Policy Research: Globalisation, Ideology and Education Reforms

The chapter offers a critical analysis of globalisation, ideology and education reforms. The chapter discusses the crucial issues at the centre of current and on-going education reforms, namely the pursuit of standards and excellence globally, equality of access and quality of education for all. It focuses on a complex nexus between globalisation, ideology and education reforms, where, on the one hand, democratisation and progressive pedagogy is equated with equality, inclusion, equity, tolerance and human rights, while on the other hand, globalisation is perceived, by some critics at least, to be a totalising force that is widening the socio-economic status (SES) gap, inequality, and cultural and economic capital between the rich and the poor, and bringing increasing levels of power, domination and control by corporate bodies and powerful organisations. The chapter critically examines the new challenges confronting education and policy reforms, in terms of governance, curriculum reforms, democracy, social justice, and human rights.