Emancipatory Change in US Higher Education

This edited volume explores and deconstructs the possibilities of higher education beyond its initial purpose, arguing for a more robust interrogation of persistent patterns of campus inequality driven by demographic change, reduced public spending, and polarized politics. It offers contemporary views and critiques ideas and practices that perpetuate racial and gender-based inequalities, highlighting coping mechanisms and resistance strategies. The book identifies new ways higher education can better serve students and communities while also setting a bar for society to realize its stated purpose.

Format: Hardback
Length: 261 pages
Publication date: 08 December 2022
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

This edited volume delves into and dismantles the potential of higher education beyond its initial objective. The book contextualizes and advocates for a more thorough examination of enduring patterns of campus inequality fueled by rapid demographic shifts, reduced public investment in higher education, and a growing polarization in political landscapes. It presents contemporary perspectives and critiques notions and practices such as microaggressions, implicit and explicit bias, and their detrimental effects in perpetuating racial and gender-based inequalities among members of non-dominant groups. The book also underscores coping mechanisms and resistance strategies employed by members of non-dominant groups to challenge predominantly racial and gender-based inequity. By doing so, it identifies innovative approaches for higher education to fulfill its proclaimed mission more effectively, encompassing genuine benefits for students and communities while also setting a standard for society to more faithfully uphold its stated purpose and values.

Introduction:
Higher education has played a pivotal role in shaping individuals, communities, and societies throughout history. However, as the world continues to evolve, the landscape of higher education is also undergoing significant changes. This edited volume aims to explore and deconstruct the possibilities of higher education beyond its initial purpose, recognizing the need for a more robust interrogation of persistent patterns of campus inequality driven by rapid demographic change, reduced public spending in higher education, and an increasingly polarized political landscape.

Persistent Patterns of Campus Inequality:
The book contextualizes and argues for a more robust interrogation of persistent patterns of campus inequality driven by rapid demographic change, reduced public spending in higher education, and an increasingly polarized political landscape. These factors have contributed to the perpetuation of racial and gender-based inequalities on college campuses, perpetuating a cycle of disadvantage and marginalization for marginalized groups.

Contemporary Views and Critiques:
The book offers contemporary views and critiques ideas and practices such as microaggressions, implicit and explicit bias, and their consequences in reifying racial and gender-based inequalities on members of nondominant groups. Microaggressions are subtle, often unconscious behaviors that convey negative messages about a person's identity or group membership. Implicit and explicit bias, on the other hand, are conscious or unconscious attitudes and beliefs that favor certain groups over others. These biases can manifest in various aspects of college life, including academic opportunities, social interactions, and administrative processes.

Consequences of Racial and Gender-Based Inequality:
The consequences of racial and gender-based inequality on college campuses are far-reaching and profound. Marginalized groups often face barriers to academic success, including limited access to resources, discriminatory treatment by faculty and staff, and a lack of representation in leadership positions. This inequality can have long-term impacts on individuals' career prospects, social mobility, and overall well-being.

Coping Mechanisms and Resistance Strategies:
In response to the challenges posed by racial and gender-based inequality, members of non-dominant groups have developed coping mechanisms and resistance strategies. These strategies include advocating for change, building community support, and developing resilience. Advocacy involves raising awareness about issues of inequality and promoting policies and practices that promote equity and inclusion. Building community support involves creating spaces where marginalized groups can feel safe, supported, and empowered. Developing resilience involves cultivating a sense of self-worth, self-esteem, and agency among members of non-dominant groups.

New Ways for Higher Education to Fulfill Its Mission:
In light of the persistent patterns of campus inequality and the need for innovative solutions, the book identifies new ways for higher education to fulfill its mission more effectively. These include promoting diversity and inclusion, providing equitable access to resources, and fostering a culture of empathy and understanding. Promoting diversity and inclusion involves creating a campus environment that values and celebrates the diversity of its students, faculty, and staff. Providing equitable access to resources involves ensuring that all students have access to the necessary resources, including academic support, financial aid, and mental health services. Fostering a culture of empathy and understanding involves promoting dialogue, open communication, and critical thinking among students and faculty.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this edited volume explores and deconstructs the possibilities of higher education beyond its initial purpose. It advocates for a more thorough examination of persistent patterns of campus inequality driven by rapid demographic change, reduced public spending in higher education, and an increasingly polarized political landscape. The book offers contemporary perspectives and critiques ideas and practices such as microaggressions, implicit and explicit bias, and their consequences in reifying racial and gender-based inequalities on members of non-dominant groups. It also highlights coping mechanisms and resistance strategies that have enabled members of non-dominant groups to contest predominantly racial- and gender-based inequity. By identifying new ways for higher education to fulfill its mission more effectively, the book contributes to the ongoing conversation about the role of higher education in promoting equity, social justice, and a more inclusive society.

Weight: 490g
Dimension: 217 x 154 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031111235
Edition number: 1st ed. 2023