Affective Capitalism in Academia: Revealing Public Secrets

This book explores the contemporary crisis of universities through 11 international and comparative case studies, examining the role of affect in academic labor, subjectivation, professional and personal relationships, and organizational structures. Chapter 9 is available Open Access via OAPEN.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 16 January 2023
Publisher: Bristol University Press

Drawing on affect theory and research on academic capitalism, this comprehensive book delves into the contemporary crisis facing universities. Spanning 11 international and comparative case studies, it explores a wide range of aspects of contemporary academic life, including the coloniality of academic capitalism, performance management, and the experience of being performance-managed. While affect has gained prominence as a significant analytical lens in social research, its application to universities and their marketization remains relatively limited. This book offers a unique exploration of the contemporary role of affect in academic labor and the organization of scholarship. It examines modes of subjectivation, professional and personal relationships, and organizational structures, considering their affective charges. Chapter 9 is available Open Access via OAPEN under a CC-BY-NC-ND license.

Introduction:
The contemporary crisis of universities is a complex and multifaceted issue that requires a comprehensive examination. Affect theory, which focuses on the emotional and psychological aspects of human experience, provides a valuable framework for understanding the dynamics at play within academic institutions. By integrating research on academic capitalism with affect theory, this book aims to shed light on the various factors contributing to the current state of universities and offer insights into potential solutions.

Affective Labor in Academic Institutions:
Affective labor refers to the emotional and psychological investments that individuals make in their work, including the emotional toll of managing performance expectations, dealing with stress and anxiety, and navigating the complexities of academic bureaucracy. In the context of academic capitalism, the pressure to perform and achieve academic outcomes has led to the commodification of academic labor, with individuals increasingly being viewed as resources or commodities rather than as scholars and educators.

Performance Management:
Performance management is a key aspect of contemporary academic life, with universities employing various strategies to measure and evaluate the performance of their staff. These strategies often involve the use of metrics, targets, and incentives to motivate staff and ensure that they meet academic standards. However, the emphasis on performance management has led to concerns about the impact on academic freedom, autonomy, and the quality of teaching and research.

The Experience of Being Performance-Managed:
Being performance-managed involves being subjected to constant scrutiny, evaluation, and feedback, often based on quantitative metrics and performance indicators. This experience can be stressful, anxiety-inducing, and demotivating, as it undermines the sense of autonomy and self-determination that is essential for academic work. Moreover, it can lead to a culture of fear and uncertainty, as individuals are constantly worried about meeting expectations and avoiding negative consequences.

Modes of Subjectivation:
Affective labor in academic institutions is shaped by a range of modes of subjectivation, including the individualization of academic work, the commodification of knowledge, and the emergence of new forms of surveillance and control. These modes of subjectivation create a sense of individual responsibility and accountability for academic outcomes, while also eroding the sense of collective solidarity and collective action.

Professional and Personal Relationships:
Professional and personal relationships in academic institutions are also impacted by the pressures of academic capitalism. The emphasis on performance and productivity can lead to tensions between colleagues, as individuals compete for resources, recognition, and advancement. Moreover, the commodification of knowledge and the rise of academic entrepreneurship can create conflicts of interest and undermine the integrity of academic research.

Organizational Structures:
Organizational structures in academic institutions are also shaped by the pressures of academic capitalism. The hierarchical nature of academic institutions, with professors at the top and graduate students and administrative staff at the bottom, can create power imbalances and limit opportunities for collaboration and innovation. Moreover, the emphasis on performance and productivity can lead to a culture of blame and punishment, as individuals who fail to meet expectations are often criticized and punished.

Conclusion:
The contemporary crisis of universities is a result of a complex interplay of factors, including the pressures of academic capitalism, the commodification of academic labor, and the emergence of new forms of surveillance and control. By examining the role of affect in academic labor and the organization of scholarship, this book offers a unique perspective on the contemporary crisis and provides insights into potential solutions. It calls for a reimagining of academic institutions, where the emphasis is on the quality of teaching and research, academic freedom, and the well-being of staff and students. Only through such a reimagining can universities regain their role as centers of knowledge production and innovation and contribute to the betterment of society.

Weight: 554g
Dimension: 162 x 241 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781447357841