Negotiating Agendas: Adult Educators & Neoliberalism in Private Training Establishments

Establishments Judith Walker University of British Columbia, Canada Like all education, adult education is not neutral; it is very much tied to hegemonic interests within a given society...Nevertheless, it would be erroneous to deny agency for change to those working within mainstream institutions. (Peter Mayo) Abstract: This study explores the impact of neoliberalism on adult education in New Zealand by examining the experiences of 14 educators and directors in four Private Training Establishments (PTEs). While the effects of neoliberal ideology and policy have been significant, the findings indicate that adult educators critically examine their practice and constantly negotiate their own agendas.