Life Orientation as a posthumanist interspace: Reclaiming human-centric higher education in a post-neoliberal South African landscape

• Published in: Critical studies in teaching and learning Vol. 13; no. 1; pp. 40 - 52
• Main Authors: de Jager, Sarina, Jarvis, Janet
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Critical Studies in Teaching and Learning 03.07.2025
• Subjects: Education & Educational Research; Education, Special; Life Orientation; higher education; humanistic education; knowledge interspace; posthumanism; decolonisation
• ISSN: 2310-7103; 2310-7103
• DOI: 10.14426/cristal.v13i1.2357

This article advances a humanistic vision for higher education by reimagining Life Orientation (LO) – a South African school subject often dismissed as marginal – as a vital knowledge interspace within universities. Situated within the context of teacher education, the article critiques the dehumanising effects of neoliberalism and colonial epistemologies, and advocates for a curriculum that foregrounds relationality, ethics, and holistic learning. Drawing on posthumanist, decolonial, and nomadic theory, particularly Braidotti’s work, the paper conceptualises LO as a transdisciplinary site that supports boundary-crossing and inclusive pedagogies. Through ecological metaphors and examples of courageous scholarly collaboration, the article shows how LO can foster interconnectedness, emotional intelligence, and critical consciousness. It proposes a model for recognising LO as a formal interspace in higher education – capable of addressing social fragmentation and supporting global citizenship. By aligning with the values of the Fifth Industrial Revolution and the Sustainable Development Goals, LO is positioned as essential to a more compassionate and just educational future.