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The Transformation of Teachers' Subjectivities in Swedish Municipal Adult Education: An Autoethnographic Perspective

Authors :
Nina Emilsson
Source :
Adult Education Quarterly: A Journal of Research and Theory. 2024 74(3):179-196.
Publication Year :
2024

Abstract

Within the specific cultural and historical context of Swedish adult education, this article employs autoethnography to explore teachers' complex experiences during the era of neoliberalism. Its aim is to illuminate teachers' multifaceted realities within this dynamic and shed light on the diverse challenges and struggles they encounter. Drawing on personal experiences and Stephen Ball's conceptual framework, the article asserts that neoliberal ideologies prompt significant shifts in education, emphasizing market-oriented practices, individualization, and flexibility. Consequently, these influences have a profound impact on teachers' work, belief systems, values, behaviors, and pedagogical approaches. The narrative offers insights into the emotional, professional, and ethical challenges prompted by these reforms. It captures the interplay between policy changes, teachers' responses, and broader implications for education quality and teachers' wellbeing. This process becomes interwoven with teachers' negotiations amid tensions between neoliberal policies and their professional ideals, evoking a range of emotions--from subjective alienation to ontological uncertainty.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
0741-7136 and 1552-3047
Volume :
74
Issue :
3
Database :
ERIC
Journal :
Adult Education Quarterly: A Journal of Research and Theory
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
EJ1436301
Document Type :
Journal Articles<br />Reports - Research
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1177/07417136241231569