Decentralisation and Privatisation in Education

The book critically examines the overall interplay between privatisation, decentralisation and the role of the State. It draws upon recent studies in the areas of decentralisation, privatisation and the role of the State in education in the global economy and culture. It explores conceptual frameworks and methodological approaches applicable in the research of the State, privatisation, and decentralisation in education globally. It demonstrates the neo-liberal ideological imperatives of privatisation and decentralisation, and illustrates the way the relationship between the State and education policy affects current models and trends in privatisation and decentralisation of schooling. Various book chapters critique the dominant discourses and debates pertaining to the newly constructed and re-invented models of privatization and decentralisation in education. §The book explores the ambivalent and problematic relationship between the State, privatisation, and decentralisation in education globally.The book critically examines the overall interplay between privatisation, decentralisation and the role of the State. It draws upon recent studies in the areas of decentralisation, privatisation and the role of the State in education in the global economy and culture. It explores conceptual frameworks and methodological approaches applicable in the research of the State, privatisation, and decentralisation in education globally. It demonstrates the neo-liberal ideological imperatives of privatisation and decentralisation, and illustrates the way the relationship between the State and education policy affects current models and trends in privatisation and decentralisation of schooling. Various book chapters critique the dominant discourses and debates pertaining to the newly constructed and re-invented models of privatization and decentralisation in education. §The book explores the ambivalent and problematic relationship between the State, privatisation, and decentralisation in education globally. Using a number of diverse paradigms, ranging from critical theory to globalisation, the authors, by focusing on privatisation, marketisation and decentralisation, attempt to examine critically both the reasons and outcomes of education reforms, policy change and transformation and provide a more informed critique on the Western-driven models of accountability, quality and school effectiveness. The book draws upon recent studies in the areas of decentralisation, privatisation and the role of the state in education. The book examines the overall interplay between privatisation, decentralisation and the politics of education reforms and policy change. §Reprinted from International Review of Education, Issue 50/3-4