Magical mindless labor: Exploring ecological citizenship education through a case study utilizing a hydroponic shipping container farm

Abstract

Using observations and interviews, this study investigated intended and actual learning outcomes of a hydroponic shipping container farm (HSCF) educational program in British Columbia, Canada. Adult participants placed a strong emphasis on using the HSCF for teaching employability and business skills, and for demonstrating what the future of food production will look like in a climate changed society. Although students showed an increased awareness of food systems and food security, there was a lack of critical engagement with social and environmental issues related to food systems. Overall, this study found that the HSCF program fostered a neoliberal form of ecological citizenship that prioritizes market participation and technological solutions over collective and transformative action. This study highlights learning opportunities and barriers of HSCFs as educational tools and emphasizes the need for education that supports transformative action rather than encouraging students to see themselves as passive participants in a capitalist system.