The Humanities Reloaded: Addressing Crisis

This book examines the crisis of humanities narratives in the context of neoliberal capitalism and the emergence and consolidation of the metrics-driven, corporate, managerial university. It explores how narratives of the crisis mobilize notions of value and prestige, how they are classed, gendered, and racialized, and how they relate to current debates and contestations surrounding decolonization. The book argues that the crisis of the humanities opens up opportunities to use their institutional space for work that is socially and politically relevant and academically rigorous.

Format: Hardback
Length: 218 pages
Publication date: 21 March 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The present volume delves into the profound crisis facing humanities narratives in the intricate web of neoliberal capitalism and the emergence and consolidation of the metrics-driven, corporate, managerial university. It explores the intricate dynamics that shape the narratives surrounding the crisis, examining how they mobilize specific notions of value and prestige. Moreover, it delves into the complex ways in which these notions are classified, gendered, and racialized, shedding light on the broader societal implications of these narratives.

In addition to its focus on narratives, the book also engages with ongoing debates and contestations surrounding decolonization, exploring how these issues intersect with the crisis of the humanities. It questions whether the crisis of a traditional configuration of the humanities presents opportunities for scholars to utilize their institutional space for work that is both socially and politically relevant and academically rigorous.

The ultimate goal of this volume is to offer a counter-narrative to the prevailing perspectives on the present and future of the humanities. By examining the complex interplay between neoliberal capitalism, the corporate university, and the crisis of humanities narratives, it seeks to provide a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the field.

The book draws upon a wide range of scholarly sources and employs a multidisciplinary approach, encompassing the study of art, literature, media, cultural studies, education, politics, sociology, and social and cultural anthropology. The chapters in this book were originally published in the journal Critical Arts: South-North Cultural and Media Studies, making it a valuable resource for researchers and advanced students in these fields.

In conclusion, this volume offers a thought-provoking exploration of the crisis of humanities narratives in the context of neoliberal capitalism and the broader societal transformations underway. It provides valuable insights into the ways in which narratives shape our understanding of the world, and it challenges us to think critically about the role of the humanities in shaping our collective future.

Weight: 540g
Dimension: 179 x 254 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032418285