Academic Freedom and Precarity in the Global North: Free as a Bird

This book challenges the predominant view on academic freedom and advocates for a holistic approach, which includes the freedom to determine research and curricula independently from market pressures and resist workplace misconduct. It provides a differentiated picture of contemporary structural limits to academic freedom in advanced democracies and will be of interest to scholars of higher education and the academic community.

Format: Hardback
Length: 170 pages
Publication date: 21 October 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This book, with contributions from six leading scientific countries of the Global North and from the general European Higher Education Area, challenges the prevailing view on academic freedom and advocates for a comprehensive approach. While academic freedom has been a central concern for the global scientific community in recent years, the public and academic discourse have frequently been characterized by a negative interpretation of the term, which is often perceived as an exemption from state intervention and censorship. However, the contributions in this edited volume reveal that this is not the end of the story: academic freedom encompasses not only the freedom of expression in its abstract sense but also the ability to independently determine research and curricula, free from market pressures or threats of career sabotage, and to resist workplace misconduct without fear of jeopardizing future career prospects. By presenting a nuanced portrayal of contemporary structural constraints on academic freedom in advanced democracies, this volume will be of significant interest to scholars of higher education as well as the broader academic community.

Introduction:
Academic freedom has been a contentious issue in recent years, with debates surrounding its definition, scope, and limitations. While academic freedom is widely recognized as a fundamental right, its interpretation and application have varied across different contexts. In this book, we will explore the various perspectives on academic freedom and its implications for higher education.

Academic Freedom as a Fundamental Right:
Academic freedom is widely acknowledged as a fundamental right that allows scholars and researchers to pursue their work without fear of censorship or repression. It encompasses the freedom to express ideas, conduct research, and publish findings without interference from the government or other external entities. Academic freedom is essential for the advancement of knowledge and the pursuit of truth.

Negative Interpretations of Academic Freedom:
However, academic freedom has been subject to negative interpretations in some contexts. Some argue that academic freedom should be limited to the freedom of expression and should not extend to the freedom to determine research and curricula independently. They argue that academic freedom should be subject to market pressures and career considerations, and that scholars should prioritize their job security and reputation over their academic pursuits.

A Comprehensive Approach to Academic Freedom:
In response to these negative interpretations, this book advocates for a comprehensive approach to academic freedom. It recognizes that academic freedom should not be confined to the freedom of expression alone but should also include the freedom to determine research and curricula independently. This includes the freedom to resist workplace misconduct without fear of losing future career chances.

Contributions from Six Leading Scientific Countries:
The book includes contributions from six leading scientific countries of the Global North and from the general European Higher Education Area. These contributions provide a differentiated picture of contemporary structural limits to academic freedom in advanced democracies. The chapters in this book explore the various challenges faced by scholars and researchers in these countries, including political interference, funding cuts, and pressure to conform to academic norms.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, academic freedom is a fundamental right that should be protected and promoted in higher education. While there may be challenges to academic freedom in some contexts, a comprehensive approach that includes the freedom to express ideas, conduct research, and determine research and curricula independently is essential for the advancement of knowledge and the pursuit of truth. By engaging with the perspectives presented in this book, we can better understand the complexities of academic freedom and work towards creating a more inclusive and supportive academic environment.

Weight: 500g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032189192