Demonic education: Rethinking education through a political theology lens

Abstract

As we move towards an ever-increasing authoritarian, neoliberal and populist education, it is noticeable how elements of religious thought are embedded into our language and practices. This article uses the lens of political theology, drawing on Carl Schmitt's work which explores how the secular is often based on theological concepts such as sovereignty, obedience, good and evil. Political theology will be used to problematise the self-legitimising education system in England, the apparent necessity for populist behaviour in advocating for such a system, and finally the demonising of children. This essay is deliberately provocative in using political theology to question the state of education as it is now.