ed policies increasing privatisation Flashcards
P1: How is education privatised globally?
Governments allow multinational corporations (e.g., Pearson) to dominate services worldwide.
What policies enable this?
Outsourcing contracts (e.g., digital learning platforms) and international school chains (e.g., GEMS Education).
Give an example of a global education business.
Pearson—runs exams, publishes textbooks, and sells online courses across 100+ countries.
What is Ball’s “education services industry” concept?
Education is now a tradable commodity, not just a public good, with corporations profiting globally.
Are global policies effective for privatisation?
Extremely—but risks standardised, culturally insensitive education (e.g., Pearson’s “one-size-fits-all” curricula).
P2: What is endogenous privatisation?
The introduction of business principles (competition, performance metrics) into state education.
How do government policies drive this?
Via league tables, Ofsted inspections, formula funding, and performance-related pay, forcing schools to compete.
How does formula funding exemplify this?
Schools receive £ per pupil, incentivising them to attract more students (like businesses chasing customers).
What does Ball argue about these policies?
They create a “culture of performativity”—schools prioritise image/results over inclusive education.
Are these policies effective for privatisation?
Yes—schools now operate like businesses, but this undermines equality as they focus on “desirable” pupils.
P3: What is exogenous privatisation?
Private companies taking over services (e.g., exams, catering) or running schools (e.g., academies).
How do academies promote this?
They’re state-funded but sponsored by private entities (e.g., businesses, charities), who influence governance.
Name a private actor in education.
dexcel/AQA (profit-making exam boards) or ARK academies (run by a private charity).
What does Molnar say about private involvement?
Companies use education for “brand legitimacy”—linking their name to “trust” (e.g., Pearson textbooks).
Does this harm education?
Potentially—profit motives may override educational needs (e.g., cutting costs on resources).
