SEL and Neoliberalism

Neo-what? We’re back with our third episode to discuss how SEL is entangled with the for-profit world of marketization and self-surveillance in some pretty concerning ways. We make space to discuss what we actually mean when we use words like “critical,” “capitalism,” and “neoliberalism,” and we contemplate SEL’s strong emphases on individual responsibility and self-discipline. We also welcome the question of what we would like to see being done in the name of social and emotional learning (though some of us suggest departing from the SEL label entirely). What makes us feel hopeful or excited when it comes to education that nurtures humans in their wholeness?

Participants:

Melvin Chan, BSc, MA, York University

Jinan El Sabbagh, PhD, Oklahoma State University

Emma McMain, PhD, Washington State University

Facilitator: Emma McMain

Editor: Marc Koch

References:

Jagers, R. J,. Rivas-Drake, D., & Williams, B. (2019). Transformative social and emotional learning (SEL): Toward SEL in service of educational equity and excellence. Educational Psychologist, 54(3), 162–184. https://doi.org/10.1080/00461520.2019.1623032

Richerme, L. K. (2022). The hidden neoliberalism of CASEL’s Social Emotional Learning framework: Concerns for equity. Bulletin of the Council for Research in Music Education, 232, 7–25. https://doi.org/10.5406/21627223.232.01