Rethinking material aspirations in global citizenship education: from economic growth to supporting well-Being

Economic aims play a central role in shaping Global Citizenship Education (GCE), with both challengers and proponents highlighting their significance. This article critically examines and reassesses neoliberal economic goals in GCE in light of theoretical developments and international events. Drawing on complexity theory, it explains why economic aims have continued to dominate despite substantial theoretical critiques within GCE and economics, as well as in the face of global crises, including the 2008 financial downturn, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the climate crisis. It argues that economic goals function as powerful attractors that stabilize GCE, thereby preventing transformative change. The article proposes well-being as an alternative organizing concept that could replace or at least supplement the existing economic framework. It is maintained that a well-being-focused approach offers a more holistic and sustainable foundation for GCE in an increasingly uncertain world.