The right to pay. Ideology and ideological tensions in making markets in education. The case of Chile

This paper examines the ideological struggles and transformations that have shaped educational discourse and practice in Chile. Through a critical analysis of key agents’ narratives, the study identified five distinct ideological configurations, highlighting the interplay between individual agency, institutional structures, and educational policy. Moving beyond the simplistic public-private dichotomy, it explores how individuals navigate and negotiate educational ideologies within material and institutional constraints. By analyzing the pervasive influence of market-driven logics on educational decision-making, the paper uncovers the mechanisms through which neoliberal ideas are embedded in and transformed by social practices. The study emphasizes the importance of understanding the interaction between ideational struggles and material conditions in shaping educational experiences. Ultimately, it calls for reimagining educational frameworks that transcend market-based mechanisms to foster more inclusive and contextually responsive approaches to public education.