Capital, Commodity, and English Language Teaching

Capital, Commodity, and English Language Teaching explores the impact of profit-driven motives on language teaching, examining education as a production process and the relationship between the circulation of capital and the teaching of language. It discusses ELT at global and local levels, drawing on Marxist and Bourdieusian theory to propose a dialectical approach to understanding the interrelationships between profit, language education, and social structures.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 222 pages
Publication date: 15 July 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Capital, Commodity, and English Language Teaching delves into the intricate relationship between the pursuit of profit in commercial English Language Teaching (ELT) and the methods employed to impart language skills. The book adopts a production-oriented perspective, examining education as a means of creating value and generating profit. It raises crucial questions about the production of lessons and the impact of combining profit-making with the educational process.

Author Simpson offers a robust theoretical framework for understanding capital, which serves as the foundation for his exploration of the interplay between the circulation of capital for profit and language teaching. Through detailed discussions at both global and local levels, Simpson sheds light on the ELT industry across various countries, including the United Kingdom, the United States, Ireland, Canada, Japan, Spain, and online platforms. He also provides insightful accounts of the work-lives of individuals within the Japanese eikaiwa ELT industry, offering a nuanced perspective on the field.

Drawing upon a synthesis of Marxist and Bourdieusian theory, Simpson develops a dialectical approach to understanding capital and its relationship with the drive for profit in language education. He argues that this approach allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the complex dynamics at play and provides potential avenues for further research in diverse contexts worldwide.

In the concluding chapters, Simpson explores the implications of his findings in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the need for a reevaluation of ELT practices and policies. He suggests that adopting a dialectical approach can help address global challenges related to ELT and promote more equitable and sustainable practices.

Capital, Commodity, and English Language Teaching is a valuable resource for advanced students, scholars, and professionals in applied linguistics, TESOL, sociolinguistics, linguistic anthropology, language economics, and related fields. It offers a comprehensive analysis of the intersection of profit, language education, and social dynamics, providing insights that are relevant to practitioners, policymakers, and educators alike.

Weight: 426g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367764609