Modern Work and the Marketisation of Higher Education

The book explores the reasons and ways in which marketization has occurred in England's national Higher Education sector, challenging the assumptions underlying the argument for more market and choice.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 174 pages
Publication date: 08 September 2022
Publisher: Bristol University Press

Over the past few decades, the national Higher Education sectors across the globe have undergone a gradual process of marketization. This book presents a fresh perspective on why and how marketization has occurred in England. It delves into different assumptions about the nature of graduate work and how the graduate labor market shapes the argument for increased market and choice. By challenging these assumptions, which are rooted in an idealized relationship between Higher Education and high-skilled work, this book fills a crucial gap by questioning the current rationale for further marketization.

The process of marketization in the national Higher Education sectors has been a gradual phenomenon observed worldwide. This book offers a novel interpretation of why and how marketization has unfolded in England. It explores distinct assumptions regarding the nature of graduate work and how the graduate labor market influences the advocacy for more market and choice. By exposing the limitations of these assumptions, which are based on an idealized relationship between Higher Education and high-skilled work, this book fills a significant need by questioning the prevailing rationale for further marketization.

The book explores the historical background and contextual factors that have contributed to the marketization of Higher Education in England. It examines the changing attitudes towards education, the expansion of the Higher Education sector, and the increasing demand for graduates in the job market. The authors argue that marketization has been driven by the need to meet the demands of employers and the desire for students to acquire the skills and qualifications that are in high demand.

However, the book also highlights the flaws in these assumptions. It points out that the idealized relationship between Higher Education and high-skilled work is often unrealistic. Graduates may face challenges in finding employment, particularly in sectors that are heavily reliant on government funding or in areas where job markets are volatile. Moreover, the emphasis on marketization may lead to a commodification of education, where students are viewed as consumers rather than learners.

The book proposes a critical examination of the current rationale for further marketization in Higher Education. It questions whether the benefits of increased market competition and choice outweigh the potential risks and negative consequences. The authors argue that a more balanced approach is necessary, where the focus is on quality, accessibility, and social responsibility. They suggest that policymakers and educators should consider the needs of students, employers, and society as a whole when making decisions about Higher Education policy.

In conclusion, this book offers a valuable contribution to the ongoing debate about marketization in Higher Education. It provides a fresh perspective on why and how marketization has occurred in England and challenges the assumptions that underpin it. By questioning the current rationale for further marketization, the book encourages a more nuanced and informed discussion about the future of Higher Education.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781447355281