Wrecked: Deinstitutionalization and Partial Defenses in State Higher Education Policy

Shows how social changes set a collision course for the Right and higher education. Wrecked offers a unique and compelling perspective linking higher education policymaking to broader social and political forces acting in the twenty-first century.

Format: Hardback
Length: 248 pages
Publication date: 12 August 2022
Publisher: Rutgers University Press

In the United States, higher education holds a pivotal position within the framework of democracy. However, a concerning trend emerged in the 2010s, as numerous states that had previously invested significant resources in building up their higher education systems began to dismantle them. This shift in perspective was driven by evolving social dynamics that reshaped the political landscape of U.S. higher education. A growing hostility towards higher education reflected the changing demographics, with an increasing diversity of students and faculty members. Consequently, the Republican party became increasingly reliant on a core group of angry white voters, as higher education became more inclusive. At the same time, the party's ties with wealthy donors deepened, as the cost of higher education continued to rise.

In his book "Wrecked," Barrett J. Taylor delves into the intricate relationship between these social changes and the Right's approach to higher education. Taylor argues that these attacks, driven by a policy agenda of deinstitutionalization, aimed to undermine the social foundation of public trust upon which higher education thrives. This agenda encompassed a stark divestment from higher education, but it was primarily characterized by an attack on the institutions' core values of integrity, transparency, and accountability.

In response to these challenges, higher education officials have offered a series of partial defenses to cope with the immediate effects. These measures aimed to address specific issues and mitigate the immediate impact of the attacks. However, they failed to address the underlying causes of mistrust and failed to safeguard the institution itself against the long-term threat of declining public trust. As a result, the conflict escalated, leading to the wrecking of many public higher education systems across the United States.

"Wrecked" offers a unique and compelling perspective that connects higher education policymaking to broader social and political forces shaping the twenty-first century. Taylor's book sheds light on the complex interplay between education, politics, and society, highlighting the urgent need for policymakers to address the underlying issues of mistrust and promote a sustainable and inclusive higher education system. By recognizing the interconnectedness of these forces, policymakers can work towards creating a more equitable and prosperous future for all.

Dimension: 235 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781978821422