addresses effects of neoliberal capitalism in particular regard to work and education. It reveals limits and paradoxes in macroeconomic policy imperatives toward knowledge-based economies and learning societies and elaborates ensuing critical concerns and dilemmas. It concludes with an exploration of innovative conceptions of social citizenship which may stimulate sources of a revitalization of work and education beyond singular economic imperatives.
‘With her empirical critique of the neo-liberal dogmas that dominate employment policies today, Catherine Casey has re-asserted the importance of social values not only for education but for work itself.’ – James Wickham, Trinity College Dublin
‘It is a brave soul who invites us to see a pernicious side to the idea of a 'knowledge-based economy'; so central has that idea become to both exponents of the neo-liberal hegemony and those who seek to humanize it. Catherine Casey is one such brave soul. She here documents in a highly scholarly way both the factual limitations to the idea and its less than benign implications for education, work and citizenship. Future enthusiasts for the knowledge-based economy will need to come to terms with her challenge.’Colin Crouch, Professor of Governance and Public Management, University of Warwick Business School, UK
1. Critical Reflections on Economy and Society 2. A Liberal Economy of Knowledge 3. Work Now: The Forces of Production 4. A New Economy for Education 5. Labour Markets, Organizations and the Utility of Education 6. Critical Dilemmas for Work, Education and Workers 7. Citizens and Society, Work and Education
Catherine Casey is a sociologist and Professor of Organization and Society at the University of Leicester, United Kingdom. She was formerly at the School of Business and Economics at the University of Auckland, New Zealand.