Constructing the Higher Education Student: Perspectives from across Europe

This book explores how 35 million students in Europe are understood by key social actors across different nations, comparing and contrasting conceptualizations held by policymakers, higher education staff, media, and students themselves. It emphasizes students' lived experiences and provides new perspectives on how they are understood, examining constructions such as citizens, enthusiastic learners, future workers, and objects of criticism.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 02 June 2022
Publisher: Bristol University Press

Winner of the 2024 Higher Education Special Interest Group best book award.
This book is a groundbreaking exploration of how Europe's 35 million students are perceived by key social actors across different nations. Amidst ongoing discussions about the future of higher education and European integration, it stands as the first comprehensive study to delve into this topic. The diverse chapters compare and contrast conceptualizations held by policymakers, higher education staff, media, and students themselves, shedding light on the varied understandings of these individuals. With a strong emphasis on students' lived experiences, the authors offer fresh insights into how students are perceived and to what extent European higher education is fostering homogeneity. They examine various prominent constructions of students, including their roles as citizens, enthusiastic learners, future workers, and subjects of criticism.

The book is organized into six chapters, each focusing on a different nation. Within each chapter, the authors examine the ways in which students are conceptualized and portrayed by these various actors. They explore the dominant narratives, stereotypes, and assumptions that shape how students are perceived and the impact these perceptions have on their experiences and opportunities within the European higher education system.

One of the key themes that emerges from the book is the complex interplay between national contexts and Europeanization processes. The authors argue that while European higher education policies and initiatives have aimed to promote uniformity and convergence, they have also resulted in the perpetuation of national differences and inequalities. They highlight the ways in which students from different nations are positioned differently within the European higher education landscape, with some facing barriers to access and participation while others benefit from greater opportunities.

Another important aspect of the book is its focus on students' lived experiences. The authors argue that students are not passive recipients of education but active agents who shape their own experiences and outcomes. They provide rich accounts of students' perspectives, challenges, and achievements within the European higher education system, highlighting the diversity and complexity of their experiences.

The book also explores the role of media and popular culture in shaping perceptions of students. The authors argue that media representations of students often perpetuate stereotypes and biases, which can have negative consequences for their self-esteem and sense of belonging. They suggest that educators and policymakers need to be more aware of the media's influence on student perceptions and work to promote more positive and inclusive representations.

In conclusion, this book is a valuable contribution to the field of higher education studies. It provides a comprehensive exploration of how students are understood by key social actors across different nations and offers new perspectives on the complex dynamics of European higher education. With its emphasis on students' lived experiences, the book challenges traditional narratives and assumptions and promotes a more nuanced and inclusive understanding of the European higher education landscape.

Weight: 348g
Dimension: 155 x 234 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781447359623