Why do educators spend so much time ticking boxes and what should we do about it?

In this first session of Education and Socialism, we look at David Graeber’s concept of ‘Bullshit Jobs’ and ask how far we can apply it to education.

We would probably not write off the education sector as one which produces no value for society, however speak to any education professional at random and they are likely to mention a rise in pointless admin tasks over the years. If education is so socially valuable, why does so much of the work within it feel like such a waste of time? How can we best highlight tasks that aren’t worth doing? How can we effectively resist bullshit in our workplaces?

Suggested reading:
Bullshit Pedagogy – Stuart Bracewell – pages 6-7 here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1x33gWKSltMyWNASTJXUdAyrKOL-vI8Ua/view?usp=drive_link
David Graeber – ‘On the phenomena of bullshit jobs’ – a short article which inspired the book https://libcom.org/article/phenomenon-bullshit-jobs-david-graeber
Bullshit Jobs – available on Spotify as an audiobook.

These are just suggestions in order of relevance and accessibility. Don’t worry if you don’t read all the reading. Turning up and taking part is more important.

The session will be run in a P4C (Philosophy for Communities) format, which means that it’ll be interactive and participatory, with the content and direction of the session decided democratically.

Doors open from 6pm for a 6:30pm start.

Tickets are pay-what-you-can with a suggested minimum donation of £3.00 in order to help cover venue costs. There are some limited free tickets as well for people who will struggle to contribute this.

————————
Bristol Transformed is a grassroots, volunteer-run, socialist education group. Bringing together activists, trade unionists, and everyone who wants to learn, we’re creating the space to discuss the most important issues facing us, equipping us with the skills and knowledge to transform Bristol and the world.

We run an annual festival of politics, arts and culture in May, and weekly events throughout the rest of the year. See all our events here: https://hdfst.uk/bristol-transformed