Adult education and the State: Gramsci, the historical materialist tradition and relevant others

• Main Authors: Leona M. English, Peter Mayo
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Linköping University Electronic Press 2012-09-01
• Series: European Journal for Research on the Education and Learning of Adults
• Subjects: State; neoliberalism; globalization; network; competition; Gramsci
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.3384/rela.2000-7426.rela0050

This paper focuses on the relationship between adult education and the State within the context of hegemonic globalization and the all pervasive neoliberal ideology. It draws from a variety of sources and provides an overview of discussions concerning the State giving pride of place to the Historical Materialist tradition in the area. Using a Gramscian perspective, it argues that contrary to the widespread mantra that the state has receded into the background in this era of globalization, we argue that the State remains ever so present in this context and, if anything, remains central to the Neoliberal project.