Defying Capitalism Through a Reimagined World of School

Abstract

This paper argues against the sense of inescapable reality engendered by capitalism and discusses how playing out a re-imagined reality at school could defy this world. I utilize the concept of “figured worlds” as a lens to understand how constructed perceptions of reality define the contours of our activity and what we deem possible. I then analyze the figured world of capitalism in relation to that of school and argue that the recent interest in promoting creativity at school is unlikely to challenge capitalism. Instead, I posit "playing out" re-imagined realities as a means that could transform our perception of what is possible by providing the opportunity to experience alternative spaces. I end my paper with my vision of a designed figured world of school that could expose the shortcomings of capitalism and provide students with alternative ways to think about realizing their lives.