The Role of Universities and HEIs in the Vulnerability Agenda

Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are re-assessing their roles to engage with the Vulnerability Agenda, focusing on inclusion, disability assessments, mental health concerns, learning support plans, and readiness for employment. COVID-19 has highlighted the need for universities to protect and safeguard the vulnerable, and this book fills in gaps in theoretical, empirical, and policy/practice understandings of the changing civic and societal role of HEIs in response to this policy area.

Format: Hardback
Length: 126 pages
Publication date: 04 January 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This book reevaluates the societal and pastoral functions of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in order to consider their role in engaging or responding to the Vulnerability Agenda. HEIs are increasingly focused on including socially deprived individuals in their programs, as well as conducting disability assessments, addressing mental health concerns, developing learning support plans, and preparing students for employment. In particular, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on universities, leading them to modify their teaching and learning approaches. While universities have always had a duty of care for their stakeholders, COVID-19 has highlighted the need for university leaders to have a greater social awareness of the importance of protecting and safeguarding vulnerable individuals in society.

Arguing that HEIs have a significant role to play as central anchor agencies in safeguarding vulnerable individuals, this book fills in gaps in theoretical, empirical, and policy/practice understandings. It explores the changing civic and societal (pastoral) role that HEIs have developed in response to the increasingly important policy area surrounding vulnerability.

The book begins by examining the historical and philosophical foundations of the vulnerability agenda, including the concept of social justice and the role of HEIs in promoting it. It then explores the changing landscape of vulnerability in society, including the rise of poverty, inequality, and social exclusion. The book also examines the policy responses to vulnerability, including the development of welfare systems, social protection policies, and the role of HEIs in implementing these policies.

In the second part of the book, the authors examine the societal and pastoral functions of HEIs in engaging with vulnerability. They argue that HEIs have a responsibility to create a safe and supportive environment for vulnerable students, including those from marginalized backgrounds, those with disabilities, and those who are experiencing mental health issues. HEIs should also provide access to education and training opportunities that enable vulnerable individuals to develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their chosen fields.

The authors also discuss the role of HEIs in promoting social inclusion and combating social exclusion. They argue that HEIs can play a key role in promoting social cohesion and reducing social tensions by providing opportunities for intercultural dialogue and understanding. HEIs can also work to address the root causes of social exclusion, such as poverty and inequality, by promoting social entrepreneurship and community development.

In the third part of the book, the authors examine the pastoral functions of HEIs in responding to vulnerability. They argue that HEIs have a responsibility to provide pastoral care and support to vulnerable students, including those who are experiencing academic difficulties, personal crises, or social isolation. HEIs should also provide counseling and mental health services that enable students to cope with the challenges they face.

The authors also discuss the role of HEIs in advocating for vulnerable individuals and promoting social change. They argue that HEIs can play a key role in advocating for the rights of vulnerable groups and promoting social justice by engaging in public discourse and policy development. HEIs can also work to promote social change by developing innovative programs and initiatives that address the root causes of vulnerability.

In conclusion, this book provides a comprehensive and insightful examination of the societal and pastoral roles of HEIs in engaging with and responding to vulnerability. It argues that HEIs have a significant role to play as central anchor agencies in safeguarding vulnerable individuals and promoting social inclusion and justice. The book fills in gaps in theoretical, empirical, and policy/practice understandings and provides valuable insights for policymakers, educators, and practitioners working in the field of higher education.

Weight: 322g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030890858
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022