Effect of globalization on the ed system Flashcards
P1: How has globalisation influenced education policy?
Increased international benchmarking (e.g., PISA tests) leading to policy borrowing between nations.
Why do governments borrow policies?
To compete globally—copying “top-performing” countries (e.g., Singapore’s maths teaching).
Give two policies the UK borrowed.
1) Literacy/numeracy hours (Singapore), 2) Performance-related pay (USA).
What does Ball critique about this?
Policies are decontextualised—ignore cultural differences and structural barriers (e.g., poverty).
Overall impact?
Superficial reforms—prioritises rankings over meaningful improvement.
P2: How has globalisation privatised education?
Rise of multinational edu-businesses (e.g., Pearson) selling exams, textbooks, and digital platforms globally.
What is Ball’s “global education policy network”?
Private companies (not governments) now drive policy—education becomes a profit-driven commodity.
Give an example of global privatisation.
UK academy chains (e.g., ARK) sponsor schools abroad, exporting marketised models.
What are the risks?
Lack of accountability and inequality—only wealthier students access premium services.
Is this beneficial?
Mixed—boosts innovation but undermines equity and local control.
P3: How has globalisation changed education’s purpose?
Schools now focus on global workforce skills (STEM, coding, languages) over traditional knowledge.
Why this shift?
To prepare students for a competitive global economy (aligns with Functionalist views of role allocation).
Give two curriculum changes reflecting this.
1) Coding compulsory in UK primary schools, 2) Decline in creative arts subjects.
What’s the downside?
A: Narrowed curriculum—treats students as economic units, not well-rounded individuals.
Functionalist vs. Marxist view?
Functionalists praise workforce prep; Marxists say it serves capitalist elites.
P4: How has globalisation increased cultural diversity in schools?
Curricula now include global citizenship (e.g., climate change, human rights).
Why is this significant?
Promotes tolerance in multicultural societies and prepares students for interconnected world.
Give an example of global values in schools.
PSHE lessons on refugee crises or Black Lives Matter.
What do critics argue?
New Right: Weakens national identity; Marxists: Tokenistic—doesn’t address structural racism.
Net effect?
Surface-level awareness ≠ deep equity; depends on school commitment.
