Educational markets and social justice: An examination of education policy reforms in Tanzania and New Zealand

This paper examines the tension between contemporary education policy and some aspects of social justice. It argues that the marketisation of education contributes significantly to some children's lower achievement in school; greater possibilities of dropping out; and lower eventual occupational status and income. In turn, this may not only put children at risk, but also contributes to greater social costs and increased risk to communities, nations and ironically the market itself. The paper underscores the point that there is a need to acknowledge where we are at now and make a sober search for alternative solutions.