Welfarism to Neoliberal Capitalism: A Critical Evaluation of Design Education Paradigm in India

As an economic and political framework, neoliberalism has significantly influenced global education over the past few decades, reshaping paradigms and practices within educational institutions. Neoliberalism, often referred to as ‘Market Economy,’ is marked by its advocacy for the deregulation of market-driven policies—the commodification of education, which has profoundly impacted various dimensions of education, including Design. Design education in India has undergone an evident transformation since its economic liberalization in 1991, reflecting broader neoliberal trends worldwide. The Design discourse in India was deeply rooted in socially relevant, need-based, and welfare-driven principles in its formative years, aligning closely with the national development agenda and emphasizing collective well-being. However, post-liberalization, the rise of private universities, and an increasing emphasis on market-driven ‘Design Thinking’ have shifted the focus toward neoliberal priorities, forming an ideological gap in design education that contests its foundational ethos. This paper critically examines this significant shift through the lens of ‘neoliberal creativity’ articulated in works like Kevin Gormley. It explores its ramifications on design pedagogy, institutional structures, and the role of creative domains within contemporary India. The literature review aims to scrutinize the multifaceted effects of neoliberal ideologies on education, primarily focusing on the emphasis on Creativity and Innovation while also providing insights into the evolving nature of pedagogical practices. Synthesizing existing illustrates how neoliberal policies shape educational structures and practices. That often prioritizes economic outcomes over the holistic development of students while marginalizing alternative Design Narratives. Hence, this analysis seeks to synthesize perspectives from various scholars, revealing a complex interplay between neoliberal ideologies and design educational practices.