The OECD, American Power and the Rise of the “Economics of Education” in the 1960s

Abstract

This chapter, drawing on a review of primary sources, secondary literature and interviews, traces the OECD’s historical role in shaping and diffusing the “economics of education” and in building a new world order dominated by the United States after World War II. This chapter focuses on the 1960s, when a rationalistic approach to social engineering and planning gained momentum in government circles, universities and international organizations. The first of this chapter’s three sections examines how the OECD and its precursor, the OEEC, served as platforms to spread the influence of the US government, as well as the US scientific community and philanthropic foundations, to European countries. The second section addresses the controversy surrounding the economization of education among educators suspicious of economists’ intentions regarding education. The concluding section discusses what became of the “economics of education” approach at the OECD and reflects on the relevance of this approach within the contemporary landscape. This chapter aims to contribute to understanding the hegemonic influence the OECD has gained on the education agenda worldwide.