By Stephen Beresford and Anna Burchfiel, PhD candidates and members of ECRG
In July 2024, we were lucky enough, alongside the ECRG Lead and our PhD supervisor, Alpesh Maisuria, to have the opportunity to attend the International Conference of Critical Education (ICCE)at Ankara University in Türkiye. In its 13th year, the conference is an opportunity for ‘critically-minded’ scholars from across the globe to meet and share their education research; this year’s edition centred around the theme of revitalising the work of critical educationalists in a world fraught with crises.
The conference kicked off with a keynote speech by Alpesh who demonstrated the efficacy of critical realist philosophy, especially when twinned with Marxist social science, for producing research that can powerfully explain, and at once critique, dominant educational agendas. It was argued that this framework provides theoretical tools to understand the historical specificity, and thus mutability, of current, neoliberal education policy settlements; this view thus gestures towards the possibility and feasibility of alternative societal arrangements geared toward ‘human flourishing’.
Other notable talks grappled with the issue of religion and education under Türkiye’s repressive right-wing administration, the devastating effects that Israel’s imperialist apartheid and genocide in Gaza has had on Palestinians’ access to education, and a panel of Arizona-based researchers investigating the prevalence of book bans in the United States and the neoliberal classroom in higher education. Away from the main hall, there were a range of talks on an astoundingly wide panoply of issues: from prisoner education to the pedagogy of Bertolt Brecht, to creative, drama-based methods that teach about capitalist fiscal policy, to name but a few.
We were fortunate enough to contribute to these sessions ourselves; Anna gave a talk about the cracks in the neoliberal university system of England through the lens of funding and selection mechanisms, whilst Stephen presented a talk about the theoretical and political ramifications of the differences between the Bourdieuian and Marxist conceptions of class reproduction in education research.
The conference provides a great opportunity for scholars of all stages to get the chance to present their ideas to a supportive academic community; for example, Stephen was able to present for the very first time, and Anna had the chance to demonstrate the progress her research has made from her first presentation at the 2023 ICCE in Malta.
Above: Anna Burchfiel
Beyond the conference itself, there was ample time to socialise with other attendees, see the local sights, and sample the local food and drink; this proved a great chance to meet like-minded scholars, building connections, potential collaborations, and bonds of solidarity.
What struck us as relative academic conference novices was the agreement that there are very few, if any, conferences like ICCE; its environment of genuine intellectual curiosity, innovation and rigour coupled with strong moral and political commitments makes it an academic space that critical educators must cherish and defend. The conference correctly places the struggle for education in the context of wider struggles against an ever crisis-ridden global capitalism. Attending ICCE thus provided us an opportunity to key into global struggles for genuine democratic, and fulsome education that recognises the political and moral urgency required in a current conjuncture marked by rampant inequality, imperialist violence and increasing oppression and state repression.
Above: Stephen Beresford
Returning from the conference we felt a strong sense of energy and urgency impelled by the knowledge gleaned from the research other like-minded scholars are working on and the insights gained by connecting with ‘critical’ international academics involved in education. Attending ICCE provides a stark and inspiring reminder that the question of education must always be understood as an eminently international, and inherently political, struggle; coming away from the conference you are left in no doubt that this urgent insight must always be at the heart of education research. For those who believe in the power and moral worth of education, it is therefore a must-attend. We look forward to attending in 2025 to meet with new and returning friends and update the international community on our research.
Postscript (Alpesh Maisuria):
It’s moments like this International Conference on Critical Education (ICCE), where I witnessed the brilliant contributions from Anna and Stephen, that make higher education a fantastic field to work in.
This was the 12th ICCE, and it was particularly poignant that it was held in Turkey, where critical educators are at personal and professional risk.
The conference brings together a global community consisting of teachers, students, professors, and activists – inclusivity is a key principle for the event organisers. ICCE is the antithesis of a commercial conference. Conference fees are minimal to keep the event accessible for people in lower income countries and those on minimum/no wage. The fees cover only the costs, there is no commercial backing, and the event is facilitated by volunteers.
ICCE has a significant a social aspect and delegates are encouraged to talk, eat, and socialise together, which creates many wholesome experiences beyond academic benefits for delegates. I’m delighted that Anna and Stephen were able to experience all this and keen to continue the dialogues.
If you’re interested in knowing more, please do get in contact: alpesh.maisuria@uwe.ac.uk
