Neoliberal Principles: Lecturers’ Perspective

Abstract

Many researchers agree on the notion that neoliberalism is shaping the world today and some even argue that the economics curriculum promotes this ideology because of its emphasis on transferable and flexible skills. The contention is that there is a strong connectivity between neoliberal discourse and economics. Therefore, it is fundamental to investigate if economics lecturers subscribe to neoliberal principles. The study utilised a qualitative research method using focus group interviews. Data analysis revealed that neoliberal principles inform the teaching of economics and that on their own, these principles are sound. Accordingly, this ideology should not be criticised for causing economic and social hardships because the real danger to society is inequality and unemployment , these are the defining economic challenges faced by many societies today. Therefore, narrowing the inequality gap should be each nation’s fiscal policy priority.