The State, Privatisation and Educational Policy: A critique of neo-liberalism in Latin America and some ethical and political implications

This article discusses external assistance and aid in Latin America in neo-liberal times. A central component of external assistance in educational policy is the proposal for an ethos and model of privatisation in the context of a neo-liberal state though with a prominent role played by neo-liberal international organisations. The drastic changes from a liberal state to a neo-liberal state are analysed theoretically. Some of the key dilemmas and tensions of external aid are also analysed, touching on the roles of the World Bank and the key elements of its lending processes, particularly its research policies. The paper addresses in its last section key ethical and political dilemmas of educational research and planning in Latin America.