Considerations of the impact of neoliberalism and alternative regimes on learning and its outcomes: an empirical example based on the level and distribution of adult learning

Abstract

This study considers the extensive critique of the impact of the ‘market’ or ‘neoliberal’ model on learning and its outcomes in the light of alternative models. The purpose is to consider the potential impacts of the market on learning and its outcomes and to contextualise critique by considering alternative coordination regimes. Three alternative regimes to coordinating economic activity and various aspects of education and adult learning systems (market-dominated, state-dominated and stakeholder-dominated) are contrasted by highlighting the weaknesses and strengths of each with regard to learning and its outcomes. In turn, these regimes are linked to the varieties of capitalism and welfare state literature. Comparative data are used to briefly consider the link between alternative regimes and the level and distribution of adult learning.

Keywords:

• political economy of education
• political economy of adult learning
• neoliberalism
• neoclassical economics
• economics of education
• inequality
• public good
• adult education
• governance of education

Notes

1. Fiscal policy refers to government policy that attempts to influence the direction of the economy through changes in government borrowing, spending, or taxation. Monetary policy on the other hand attempts to stabilise the economy by controlling interest rates and the supply of money.