ABSTRACT
In this chapter by John A. Codd, the value of choice in neoliberal educational policy in New Zealand and elsewhere is scrutinized in relation to Marxist-oriented views of ideology. Codd first comments on ideology as rational or irrational, in the view of Marx and in the works of more recent Marxist-inspired educational and social theorists. He then explores rationality as socially situated using the theory of ideology of Boudon for elaboration. With this background in mind, he argues that politicians in New Zealand have relied upon economic assessments of education as educational ‘black boxes’, trusting in economic experts in constructing neoliberal educational policies oriented towards parent choice. Then Codd turns to a general examination of the rise of neoliberalism and neoconservative politics in western societies, as they have reflected the decline of political support for welfare. He concludes that the ideology of choice, while popular, constitutes a major challenge for educational equality of opportunity, while proponents of choice nonetheless remain recognizable as rational actors situated in an increasingly neoliberal social and educational order. This piece spells out the debates over neoliberalism across western societies in the 1990s, as choice ideology was fast becoming predominant. Readers of this chapter may also wish to refer to the next chapter in this book, wherein Debbie Hill gives a rejoinder to Codd’s view of the new right.
