Educational neoliberalization: the mediatization of ethical assertions in the voucher debate

ABSTRACT

This study focuses on the evolving ethical claims and empirical evidence being advanced within U.S. media relating to voucher-style programs. As such, the research seeks to better understand how and why these policies proliferate, despite scant evidence recommending them. Our specific media focus reflects the recognition that issues, problems, and solutions are defined and set within ‘ethical’ frameworks through the media, often in efforts to influence the polity. Framed by the concept of ‘neoliberalization’, the analysis notes dominant discourses and activities by both advocates and opponents around the issue. Specifically, the research reveals shifting ethical assertions. Media-based ‘choice for all’ advocacy, and support of generalized parent choice/empowerment via voucher reforms, have become more prominent, while advocacy related to expanding choice for the disadvantaged has receded (though with certain high-profile exceptions). Meanwhile, opponents engage in what sometimes appears as more reactionary, though still active, media participation in seeking to challenge such reforms.

KEYWORDS:

• Neoliberalism
• neoliberalization
• school vouchers
• privatization
• politics of knowledge
• media

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

ORCID

Joel R. Malin http://orcid.org/0000-0001-6642-3434

Ian Hardy http://orcid.org/0000-0002-8124-8766

Notes

1 The Bell Curve (Herrnstein & Murray, 1994) focused on human intelligence and its connection to various personal/social outcomes. It was met with great controversy, especially regarding their claims that racial differences in intelligence exist, and that these differences are partially genetic.