Die neo-Liberale Ekonomiese Revolusie en die onderwys: Die gevaar van ontolodiese reduksie

Abstract

Neo-liberalism, also known as modern free market capitalism, has since the 1970s insinuated itself in the minds and hearts of most people, including leaders of organisations and members of government. The neo-liberal mentality has affected all walks of life, including education. This article gives an overview of its effects on government, economics, welfare, views of the human being and society, and then enters into a discussion of how it has affected education in all respects, with special emphasis on higher education in South Africa as a concrete example. The investigation confirms the theoretical claim that neo-liberalism has led to a reductionist view of reality, of the human being and hence of education. The neo-liberalist view fails to recognise the bountiful character of creation and the need to educate young people in the most encompassing sense of the word.