Resisting Neoliberalism: Testimonios of Language Teachers as Social Activists

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Resisting Neoliberalism: Testimonios of Language Teachers as Social Activists
Language: English
Authors: David Martínez-Prieto (ORCID 0000-0001-8227-9831)
Source: International Multilingual Research Journal. 2025 19(1):53-66.
Availability: Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 14
Publication Date: 2025
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: Social Class, Personal Narratives, Teacher Attitudes, Neoliberalism, Second Language Learning, Language Research, Activism, Second Language Instruction, Faculty Development, Mexicans, Educational Policy, Universities, Professional Autonomy, Power Structure, Foreign Countries, College Faculty, Student Characteristics
Geographic Terms: Mexico
DOI: 10.1080/19313152.2024.2316331
ISSN: 1931-3152
1931-3160
Abstract: This study examines the testimonios of Mexican language teachers who experienced the violent and institutional imposition of neoliberal policies at the main university at the state of Puebla. Through the analysis of "testimonios," language teachers narrated their own trajectories to resist the implementation of the neoliberal policies, such as the restriction of teaching freedom for educators, the elimination of the right to free education for students, and the current subjugation educators experience at the site of study. Based on the Foucauldian concepts of sovereign and institutional power, along with governmentality, this article analyzes the activism of language teachers, and the oppression and re-signification that neoliberal elites have carried out to silence dissident voices. While current research regarding neoliberalism and language teaching has focused on pedagogic materials and neocolonial publishing houses, the creation of learners' subjectivities, and social-class perpetuation through language instruction, second language research has not extensively concentrated on way neoliberalism has impacted the professional development of language teachers. In this regard, the present article aims to raise awareness about the way neoliberalism has been normalized as a tool for suppression among language educators in Mexico.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2025
Accession Number: EJ1456160
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:This study examines the testimonios of Mexican language teachers who experienced the violent and institutional imposition of neoliberal policies at the main university at the state of Puebla. Through the analysis of "testimonios," language teachers narrated their own trajectories to resist the implementation of the neoliberal policies, such as the restriction of teaching freedom for educators, the elimination of the right to free education for students, and the current subjugation educators experience at the site of study. Based on the Foucauldian concepts of sovereign and institutional power, along with governmentality, this article analyzes the activism of language teachers, and the oppression and re-signification that neoliberal elites have carried out to silence dissident voices. While current research regarding neoliberalism and language teaching has focused on pedagogic materials and neocolonial publishing houses, the creation of learners' subjectivities, and social-class perpetuation through language instruction, second language research has not extensively concentrated on way neoliberalism has impacted the professional development of language teachers. In this regard, the present article aims to raise awareness about the way neoliberalism has been normalized as a tool for suppression among language educators in Mexico.
ISSN:1931-3152
1931-3160
DOI:10.1080/19313152.2024.2316331