Opening semester 2021.1 conference
Graduate Program in Sociology at the Federal University of Ceará (UFC)
With Prof. Emeritus Ralph Fevre (Cardiff University, United Kingdom)
Much of the success of neoliberalism can be explained by its appropriation of individualism. In the nineteenth century, egalitarian individualism led to progressive social movements aiming to universalise opportunities for autonomy and self-development. From anti-slavery and extending to universal human rights, these social movements supported the idea that individualism was for everyone, and increased individual freedom went along with increased equality. In this context, education became a means to achieve equality. The process of industrialisation, however, introduced competitive economic individualism, which took over and changed the role of education. From being about making good citizens, education became about personal advancement and competition. Expansion of education across the world meant the dissemination of education as ‘human capital’. In workplaces, Human Resource Management practices helped to spread ideas that seem progressive, even desirable, such as equal opportunities, equality, and diversity. The ultimate result of these developments was rising inequality throughout the world.
Panelist:
Ralph Fevre
Emeritus Professor at Cardiff University and Distinguished Visiting
Research Professor at Beijing Normal University
Researcher at the Wales Institute of Social and Economic Research and Data
Ralph Fevre has a B.A. in Sociology and Economics from the University of Durham and a Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Aberdeen. Ralph has been Professor of Social Research in the Cardiff School of Social Sciences since 1995, after holding teaching and research posts in the University of Wales since 1982. He has served a number of terms as Director of Undergraduate Studies, Director of Teaching and Learning and Director of Postgraduate Research. Between 2003 and 2005, he served as Deputy Director of the School. He has been an external examiner at the University Leicester, University of Liverpool, Royal Holloway University of London, and London School of Economics. Among many other publications, he is the author of the books ‘Individualism and inequality: the future of work and politics’ (Edward Elgar, 2016) and ‘The new sociology of economic behaviour’ (Sage, 2003).
