Elite Universities and the Making of Privilege: Exploring Race and Class in Global Educational Economies

Elite Universities and the Making of Privilege explores how identity, experience, and family background affect how people navigate the social space of the university, using Bourdieu and critical race theory to examine how eliteness works as a recognisable marker of institutional status.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 146 pages
Publication date: 31 January 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Elite Universities and the Making of Privilege is a groundbreaking book that delves into the intricate workings of prestigious universities, shedding light on the complex dynamics that shape the experiences of students and faculty. Drawing on current debates on education and inequality, the book explores the relevance of universities' global brand identities in shaping the social and academic landscape.

The book employs the insightful frameworks of Bourdieu and critical race theory to examine how identity, experience, and family background influence individuals' navigation within the social space of the university. Through extensive empirical research, the book considers diverse social, economic, and educational contexts, providing a comprehensive understanding of the factors that contribute to privilege and inequality within elite universities.

One of the key strengths of the book is its use of interview accounts of graduate students, which bring to life the complexities and ambiguities surrounding elitism. The book highlights how elitism operates as both a recognizable marker of institutional status and a marker that is often overlooked or misunderstood. It sheds light on the ways in which social hierarchies, cultural norms, and institutional practices shape the experiences of students from marginalized backgrounds, perpetuating cycles of privilege and disadvantage.

Elite Universities and the Making of Privilege combines rigorous academic analysis with accessible and engaging writing, making it an essential read for anyone interested in understanding how race and class intersect in the realm of elite universities. The book offers a thought-provoking exploration of the complex dynamics that shape these institutions and provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by students and faculty alike.

In conclusion, Elite Universities and the Making of Privilege is a groundbreaking work that offers a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the workings of prestigious universities. By employing critical race theory and Bourdieu's frameworks, the book sheds light on the complex factors that contribute to privilege and inequality within these institutions. Through its empirical research and engaging writing, the book provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by students and faculty alike, and serves as a crucial resource for anyone seeking to understand the dynamics of elite universities.

Weight: 256g
Dimension: 154 x 234 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367466077