Volume 1 : Issue 2 (2014)

NEOLIBERALISM, PLURALISM, ENVIRONMENT AND EDUCATION FOR SUSTAINABILITY

This article examines reasoning patterns about the relationship between environment, neoliberalism and pluralism. We argue that mainstream neoliberal discourse tends to maintain instrumental and essentially anthropocentric attitude toward environment, subordinating 'natural resources 'to economic and social objectives. In regard to the relationship between neoliberalism and pluralism we argue that openness to different interpretations of sustainability may not permit transcendence from unsustainable practices. Besides, it is argued that while supporters of pluralist tradition in environmental education (EE) offer a well-founded critique of authoritarian and hegemonic tendencies of neoliberal agendas, including the advocacy of open markets and economic growth, the fear of all advocacy positions is largely misplaced. We shall argue that resistance to environmental advocacy in education is largely counterproductive to the efforts of education for sustainability. The goal-oriented curriculum design in education for sustainability discussed, and constructive sustainability frameworks are proposed.

education for sustainable development (ESD); environmental education; neoliberalism; pluralism.

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