The End of Efficiency: Implications for Democratic Education

Authors

  • Francine Menashy Ontario Institute for Studies in Education University of Toronto

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.11575/jet.v41i2.52515

Abstract

This paper provides an examination of the concept of efficiency and its application to current educational initiatives and reforms. It is shown that several movements in education are primarily based on a narrow conception of efficiency, giving rise to serious ethical concerns. Beginning with an examination of the term efficiency and common misconceptions of its meaning, manifestations of the efficiency movement in education are then described, followed by their ethical implications in terms of democratic education and equity issues. It will be concluded that the problematic consequences of efficiency initiatives in schools are mainly due to the application of an overly narrow conception of efficiency.

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Published

2018-05-17

Issue

Vol. 41 No. 2 (2007)

Section

Articles

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