Does Every Child Count? Quality, Equity and Mathematics with/in Neoliberalism

Abstract

In this chapter, we look at the interlinked discourses through which quality and equity are constructed as objects within current neoliberal education policy in England and at the consequences for teachers' practice. We do this by carrying out a poststructural analysis of two sets of data: policy documentation and qualitative in-depth interviews with four prospective primary teachers. We argue that within the policy documents quality is conflated with measurable progress - both national (economic growth and competitiveness) and individual (personal growth and self-fulfilment). Equity is constructed as opportunities for all. In our analysis of the interviews, we argue that the rational neoliberal discourses of policy conflict with hierarchical discourses of mathematics. This conflict is exemplified in the practices of 'ability' grouping which lead to the normalisation of pupils. Thus, 'progress' is not possible for all. © Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2011.