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ERIC Number: EJ1418847
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2024
Pages: 11
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1476-7724
EISSN: EISSN-1476-7732
"Entrepreneurs of the Self": Symbolic Capital and Social (Re)Production in the Neoliberal Knowledge Economy
Michael D. Smith
Globalisation, Societies and Education, v22 n2 p184-194 2024
This conceptual study examines the neoliberal knowledge economy as a dimension of globalisation policy within East Asian higher education. In exploring the practice of linguistic instrumentalisation, this inquiry aims to demonstrate the influence of English on the hereditary reproduction of social class. Calling on the theories of Pierre Bourdieu and Michel Foucault, this inquiry explores the interplay between one's hereditary and ultimate class membership and how proficiency in English mediates this hierarchy. Reinforced by a doxic knowledge of the 'entrepreneurial' credential ladder, aptitude in English represents a 'weapon' of empowerment (symbolic capital), used to certify and signal global readiness. Nevertheless, the meritocratic 'freedom of choice' leitmotiv supporting neoliberal governmentality fails to rationalise not only the class-conscious capitals that enable foreign language education but the ideological agendas that inhibit agency in such a manner as choosing English remains contingent rather than free. Given the economic benefits associated with EFL proficiency, this inquiry foregrounds inherited social class within its analysis, moving towards a deeper engagement with the socio-economic dimensions of foreign language education and the processes by which education is (further) reduced to strengthening pre-existing power relations.
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Asia
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A