Power and knowledge: Foucauldian analysis of educational reform in Honduras

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31637/epsir-2025-1320

Keywords:

EFL, educational policy, Foucault, archaeological event, discursive event, neoliberalism, historical research, archival research

Abstract

Introduction: The teaching of English is a highly studied as a research topic, and therefore it is relevant to analyze the educational policies that made its teaching mandatory in the context of each country, such is the case of Honduras. Methodology: The texts were analyzed within the framework of Historical Research and Archive (Hurst, 2023). Among them are; The Fundamental Law of Education (2012) and the National Basic Curriculum III cycle (2002). Results: From Foucault's perspective (1972) there are three types of events; archaeological, discursive and struggle and power relations. Discussion: At the end of 1999 and beginning of 2000, Honduras began the process of standardizing education and expanding the coverage of the teaching of English as a foreign language. In this way, the global context established a new order through educational policies. The discursive event established that Honduran education must be in accordance with the demands of the new century and international demands within the framework of globalization. Likewise, educational transformation is a product of struggle and power relations. Conclusions: From the perspective of Foucault cited in Rodríguez Neira (1995), educational institutions are the mechanisms that are used to transform human beings (p.169).

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Author Biography

Clara Elizabeth Chávez Suazo, Universidad Pedagógica Nacional Francisco Morazán

PhD student in the Latin American Doctorate in Public Policies and Teacher Training at the Francisco Morazán National Pedagogical University (UPNFM) (2009-2023); Graduate of the Specialization in Linguistic Foundations for the Teaching of Reading and Writing at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN-Brazil) (2021-2023); Postgraduate in Language Teaching with an orientation in English as a Foreign Language at the Francisco Morazán National Pedagogical University (UPNFM) (2009-2013); Master's in Theology, Miami International Seminary (The USA) (2002-2005); Bachelor's Degree in Agricultural Business Administration, National Autonomous University of Honduras (UNAH) (2000); Secondary education professor in English Teaching at the Bachelor's Degree level, Francisco Morazán National Pedagogical University (UPNFM), 1999. Currently, she acts as Academic Secretary of the Department of Language Teaching (DEL)-UPNFM and as a research professor.

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Published

2025-01-22

How to Cite

Chávez Suazo, C. E. (2025). Power and knowledge: Foucauldian analysis of educational reform in Honduras. European Public & Social Innovation Review, 10, 1–20. https://doi.org/10.31637/epsir-2025-1320

Issue

Vol. 10 (2025)

Section

Education

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Copyright (c) 2025 Clara Elizabeth Chávez Suazo

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