Download Conflicting discourses of private nursery entrepreneurs in

Conflicting discourses of private
nursery entrepreneurs in
KwaZulu-Natal
Dr HB Ebrahim
International Centre for Studies in
Mixed Economies of Childcare
2 June 2008
Introduction
- Main argument – business approach is
narrow and limiting. Marginalises access
for vulnerable and disadvantaged children
• International context
• South African context
• Research context
Findings and discussion 1
• Enabling the logic of the market
Competitive business practices
Social class responses
Limited racial integration
Tight controls
Findings and discussions 2
Disabling the logic of the markets – non
market values
Care and community spirit
Conclusion
• The business approach to early care and education is
narrow and limiting.
• It focuses on the purchasing power of parents. It
promotes an insular view of early care and education.
• The emphasis on profit making, competition makes it
difficult to create access for vulnerable and
disadvantaged children.
• Social exclusion results.
• The collaborative endeavours, community culture and
the ethic of care so needed for vulnerable and
disadvantaged children is sidelined.