Everybody's Into Environmental Ed, Right? A Foucauldian Perspective

Authors

  • Paul Kolenick

Abstract

Michel Foucault's concept of power/knowledge is applied to an exploration of how managerial discourse affects the practice of public environmental education at a publicly owned electric utility. Emerging from interviews with people at SaskPower is a managerial discourse with a particularly instrumental approach to environmental education. The aim of those at the Corporation entrusted with the task of educating people about the environment and the energy industry is directed toward achieving what is described as an "educated" perspective—that is, a consensus among people on several questions about energy options for the future. Through Foucault's essay, "What is Enlightenment?", an alternative perspective on public environmental education is considered that is more collaborative, inclusive, and critically reflective.

Author Biography

Paul Kolenick

Paul completed his EdD (Educational Leadership and Policy) at the University of British Columbia in 2006, with a particular interest in managerial discourse and its effect on educational practice.

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Published

2010-06-19

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Articles