Decolonising the Neoliberal University: Law, Psychoanalysis and the Politics of Student Protest

The book explores the violence and trauma of the global neoliberal hegemony in the context of the postcolonial university, engaging disciplines such as law, philosophy, literature, gender studies, cultural studies, and political economy to understand the conditions of possibility of an emancipatory or decolonized higher education. Contributions from world-renowned authors such as Judith Butler and Achille Mbembe, as well as legal and other theorists, interrogate the contemporary crisis in higher education.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 174 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The book delves into the profound violence and trauma experienced by the global neoliberal hegemony, particularly in the context of postcolonial and post-apartheid universities. With a primarily psychoanalytic approach, it explores a diverse range of disciplines, including law, philosophy, literature, gender studies, cultural studies, and political economy, to understand the conditions that enable an emancipatory or decolonized higher education. This exploration is situated within the intergenerational transmission of the trauma of colonialism and the trauma of neoliberal subjectivity in the postcolonial university.

The volume is organized around an influential lecture by Jacqueline Rose, featuring contributions from renowned authors such as Judith Butler and Achille Mbembe, as well as legal and other theorists who share a deep concern with interrogating the contemporary crisis in higher education. This interdisciplinary collection appeals to a wide range of readers, particularly those with interests in the contemporary state of the university, postcolonialism, psychoanalysis, gender studies, cultural studies, jurisprudence, and law.

The book offers a comprehensive analysis of the complex dynamics that shape higher education in the postcolonial and post-apartheid contexts. It sheds light on the ways in which neoliberal policies and practices have perpetuated colonial legacies and reproduced inequalities, while also exploring the potential for resistance and transformation within the university. Through its interdisciplinary approach, the book provides a rich and nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing higher education today.

One of the key strengths of the book is its ability to bring together a diverse range of perspectives and disciplines. By engaging with law, philosophy, literature, gender studies, cultural studies, and political economy, it offers a multi-faceted analysis of the issues at hand. This interdisciplinary approach not only deepens our understanding of the problem but also opens up new avenues for thinking and action.

Another notable aspect of the book is its focus on the intergenerational transmission of trauma. It recognizes that the experiences of colonialism and neoliberalism have not only affected individuals but have also been passed down through generations, shaping the lives and experiences of future generations. The book explores the ways in which these traumas can be unlearned and how higher education can play a role in promoting healing and reconciliation.

The contributions by renowned authors in the volume are insightful and thought-provoking. Judith Butler, for instance, explores the ways in which neoliberal capitalism has reinforced gender and sexual hierarchies, while Achille Mbembe examines the political implications of the neoliberal project in Africa. Other contributors offer valuable insights into the legal and regulatory frameworks that govern higher education, as well as the role of cultural studies in understanding the complexities of power and identity in the postcolonial university.

In conclusion, this book is a valuable contribution to the field of higher education studies. It offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary analysis of the violence and trauma experienced by the global neoliberal hegemony, particularly in the context of postcolonial and post-apartheid universities. By engaging with a range of disciplines and perspectives, it provides a rich and nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing higher education today. The contributions by renowned authors and the interdisciplinary approach make this book a must-read for scholars, educators, and activists working towards a more just and equitable higher education system.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032056548