Urgent Call for Change: Neoliberalism’s Toll on Education Exposed

UPDATE: A powerful critique of the education system reveals the damaging effects of neoliberalism on children’s mental health and societal values. Helen Armstrong, a psychotherapist and educator based in North West England, has penned an urgent call for reform as children as young as 10 years old face the pressures of an inequitable transfer test system.

Latest insights highlight a troubling two-tier education system that promotes social and academic segregation, leading to widespread anxiety among students. Armstrong argues that the current ideology fosters unhealthy competition, damaging self-worth and mental health among youth. “Our governments have allowed neoliberalism to infiltrate every aspect of society, including education,” she states.

The implications are profound: 63% of pupils on the Falls Road and 71% in parts of the Shankill fail to achieve five GCSEs or equivalent, according to UUEPC data from 2019. Armstrong’s concerns resonate with findings from a 2022 study involving over 20,000 students across the UK, US, and Canada, linking increased parental expectations to rising perfectionism and mental health struggles among youth.

In stark contrast, Armstrong draws attention to Finland’s education model, renowned for its emphasis on cooperation over competition. Finnish schools prioritize inclusivity and value all students, fostering a supportive environment without the pressure of league tables or excessive assessments. “Finland’s approach shows it is possible to cultivate a healthy society through education,” she asserts.

Armstrong’s personal experiences, including conversations with her niece working in a homeless shelter, reveal a stark reality: “There are no homeless people in Finland,” highlighting the systemic differences in social welfare. Her husband, returning from a business trip to Helsinki, noted the collaborative spirit of the Finnish workforce, contrasting sharply with the hierarchical structures often seen elsewhere.

The psychological toll of neoliberalism cannot be understated. Armstrong cites research from Paul Verhaeghe and Johann Hari, linking this ideology to self-harm, depression, and increased anxiety rates among young people. “Generation Anxiety” may be a fitting label for today’s youth grappling with these pressures.

The recent calls for educational reform echo a growing demand for systemic change. Armstrong proposes a shift towards a more holistic evaluation model, moving beyond traditional metrics to include a student’s collaborative skills and real-life contributions. “If we continue to pit children against each other academically, we are perpetuating a cycle of stress and inadequacy,” she warns.

As discussions around educational reform intensify, the message is clear: the current approach is failing our children. Armstrong urges parents and policymakers to recognize the urgent need for a system that nurtures rather than competes, emphasizing values of empathy and community. “Education should be about developing well-rounded individuals, not just exam scores,” she concludes.

This urgent conversation surrounding the future of education is only just beginning, and the call for a compassionate, inclusive approach resonates louder than ever. The time for change is NOW. Share this article to raise awareness about the urgent need for educational reform and to support a generation in dire need of a healthier, more supportive system.