The Emergence and Structuring of the Global Education Industry: Towards an Analytical Framework

Abstract

In an era characterized by globalization across myriad sectors, industries, technologies and social movements, it may come as no surprise that we are also seeing the rise of an education industry on a global scale. Of course, the participation of private interests in education is hardly a new phenomenon. Parents and students seek individuals’ advantage through education, and their interests are evident in activities such as paying tuition and fees, fundraising, or taking up residence near a ‘better’ school. Yet, even as a largely state-maintained sector, schools are not run on the philanthropic impulses of teachers, administrators, education software developers, or textbook publishers, since each also seeks some personal return in exchange for his or her efforts at educating children. One is reminded that Adam Smith’s famous observation — ‘It is not from the benevolence of the butcher, the brewer, or the baker that we expect our dinner, but from their regard to their own interest’ — applies to the education sector as well. But what is new here is the conception of education as a sector that is increasingly globalized and managed by private organizations. That is, we are seeing the emergence of the idea of education as a sector for investment and profit-making, where organizations, practices and networks engaged in these endeavors take on an increasingly global scale. Even though — or perhaps, because — education is often funded through public resources, substantial avenues are available for penetration by private actors and organizations. Now we are witnessing the emergence of whole trade associations dedicated to optimizing opportunities for investors looking to capitalize on the education sector.