Digital Humanism, Progressive Neoliberalism and the European Digital Governance System for Vocational and Adult Education

Abstract

In this article, the European digital governance system for vocational and adult education is critically examined in its single technologies and their interaction as well as theoretically reflected regarding potential dangers and opportunities based on the digital humanism and neoliberalism. The single digital technologies are described and critically scrutinised through expert interviews as well as the analysis of central policies, political decisions making (politics) and in the current technological modus operandi (digital polity). Findings reveal that the governance system leans towards progressive neoliberalism, combining forces of emancipation with forces of neoliberalism – especially regarding inclusion as one of the core dimensions of digital humanism.