Ei-iE

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Fighting the commercialisation of education

Education is a human right and a public good that can be fully realised only through the provision of free, equitable, inclusive, quality public education. The growing commercialisation and privatisation in and of the sector is the greatest threat to the universal right to education.

Across the world, corporate interests are striving to transform all levels of education, from early childhood to higher education, into yet another market with winners and losers. As private-sector management models are applied to education institutions, employment conditions in the sector are being undermined. As low-fee, low-quality private schools expand rapidly, there is a risk that governments abrogate their responsibility to ensure the right to education for all. Unaccountable corporations have undue influence on education policies and institutions. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated this trend which risks transforming education into a commodity, favouring profit over quality education.

As educators, we put students before profit. In 2015 we launched our Global Response to the Commercialisation and Privatisation of Education. Through this campaign, we work to expose and challenge the policies and practices of governments, intergovernmental organisations and international financial institutions which undermine public education and the rights and status of teachers and education support personnel. We also resist global corporate actors, especially education technology providers, who push the commercialisation and privatisation in and of education.

Our work in this area

  1. Worlds of Education 3 June 2019

    Imagining Good Universities

    By Raewyn Connell There's been a lot of discussion of the bad things that have been happening to universities recently. We've seen a stream of books with titles like "The University in Ruins", "The Fall of the Faculty", "Selling Students Short", "The End of the South African University".

    Imagining Good Universities
  2. Worlds of Education 27 May 2019

    “When Open Educational Resources and platform capitalism meet”, by Nikola Wachter.

    Nikola Wachter

    Technological advances have an ever increasing impact on every aspect of the education system, from the provisioning of education to working conditions and administrative governance. Unfortunately, technology is too often dumped onto education institutions leaving behind a big ecological footprint but no educational improvement. However, there are also many examples...

    “When Open Educational Resources and platform capitalism meet”, by Nikola Wachter.
  3. News 17 May 2019

    Access to Quality Education Under Threat in Honduras

    A new study reveals the mechanisms by which privatisation of education is spreading in Honduras as a result of the passivity of authorities, creating barriers to accessing education.

    Access to Quality Education Under Threat in Honduras
  4. Worlds of Education 15 May 2019

    Education in Honduras: between privatisation and globalisation

    By D. Brent Edwards Jr.[1] , Mauro C. Moschetti[2] & Alejandro Caravaca[3] In the context of the numerous challenges facing public education systems worldwide, increasing privatisation and commodification represent one of the greatest challenges for equality in access to quality education. In a study recently conducted with the support of...

    Education in Honduras: between privatisation and globalisation
  5. Worlds of Education 13 May 2019

    The university business

    By Sylvain Marois, Laval University, Quebec “[…] domination is administration.”

    The university business
  6. Worlds of Education 9 May 2019

    Privatisation: an international problem needs a united solution

    By Dr Mary Bousted, Joint General Secretary National Education Union, United Kingdom Teachers enter the profession as champions of a human right – the right to education. We dedicate our careers to advancing the opportunities of the next generation and facilitating the delivery of a public good.

    Privatisation: an international problem needs a united solution
  7. Worlds of Education 2 May 2019

    Pearson’s vision for ‘next generation’ learning: Disrupting teaching and profiting from student data

    By Anna Hogan, University of Queensland & Sam Sellar, Manchester Metropolitan University Pearson is holding its AGM on Friday April 26 and will outline its plans to increase its share of the rapidly expanding global education market. This is an opportune time to reflect on the potential impact of Pearson’s...

    Pearson’s vision for ‘next generation’ learning: Disrupting teaching and profiting from student data
  8. News 30 April 2019

    Critical voices at Pearson’s AGM

    Edubusiness Pearson was the subject of much criticism last week at its AGM in London.

    Critical voices at Pearson’s AGM
  9. Worlds of Education 25 April 2019

    “Let’s spark a global discussion on copyright exceptions for education and research!”, by David Edwards

    David Edwards

    Today it’s World Intellectual Property Day – a good day to remind us that it’s time to reform copyright law. We need action to change copyright systems that are hindering free expression and failing to promote diverse and prosperous societies for the benefit of all.

    “Let’s spark a global discussion on copyright exceptions for education and research!”, by David Edwards
  10. News 20 March 2019

    Ghana: why teachers are saying no to Ark schools

    A new study shines light on the shadows behind a philanthropic organisation’s plans to promote private education in Ghana.

    Ghana: why teachers are saying no to Ark schools
  11. Worlds of Education 17 March 2019

    Commercial Activity in Pacific Education

    We have recently completed a scoping study with members of the Council of Pacific Education (COPE) – a regional organisation of education unions from the South Pacific and a sub-branch of Education International - to map the trends of education reform throughout Pacific Island nations. First, it is necessary to...

    Commercial Activity in Pacific Education