Educator identity in a neoliberal context: recognising and supporting early childhood education and care educators

In most majority countries, early childhood educators’ work occurs in a context increasingly dominated by neoliberal logic. A large body of literature emphasises that neoliberalism flourishes in society by fuelling mutual distrust and competition among people to pursue individual performance and material gain. This system has crept into education systems which were set up with very different philosophies, becoming an intrinsic part of educators’ work, negatively affecting the educators and their image of themselves. Utilising a variety of qualitative methodologies, this paper reports on research projects undertaken in three countries that highlight some of the neoliberal barriers to quality early childhood education and care (ECEC). It also offers ways forward to support educators within this context.