‘It’s more of a status thing to have a degree’: An investigation into the extent of the acceptance of a neoliberal discourse in a group of foundation year students

Abstract

This study explores the experiences of a group of non-traditional students (n=14) undertaking a foundation year in the School of Education at a post-92 university in England. The study is located within the widening participation agenda, with foundation years becoming an increasingly popular way to access undergraduate courses. The research is situated within the context of the neoliberal economic and social policies that have been dominant in the UK since 1979 and explores the acceptance, or not, of a neoliberal discourse by the participants. Data was gathered from a series of four focus groups over the course of one academic year. It was found that participants expressed a range of views, and although an acceptance of a neoliberal discourse in relation to their studies was evident, findings showed that decisions were also based on subjective and emotional criteria, as well as through rational decision making. There was also evidence for established criticisms of neoliberalism, especially commodity fetishism. Findings suggest a challenge to educators of how best to support students, and to what extent teaching should reflect student expectations.