The Right and the Left

Abstract

The article uses the policies of the English Secretary of State for Education, Michael Gove, to contrast the oddly adventurous character of English Conservatism and the more hesitant positions of those who in some sort oppose it. It suggests that in defence of its own policies, Conservatism edits and co-opts opposing traditions, in the effort to produce a potent ideological supplement to neo-liberalism. The article suggests a different reading of such traditions. It goes on to suggest that while decades of market-shaped educational practice have reduced the capacities of educators to look beyond neo-liberal horizons, there are deep-lying problems with the Conservative project which call into question its long-term prospects of success. It concludes by sketching what opponents of Conservatism might learn from its achievements. Blocked, thus, from developing in an elaborated way within the school, educational radicalism of the left is seeking other outlets, from art practice, to student occupations and social movements. The strength and limitations of this turn are addressed.