The Neoliberalisation of Higher Education in England: An Alternatives is Possible

Article


Cole, M. and Maisuria, A. 2017. The Neoliberalisation of Higher Education in England: An Alternatives is Possible. Policy Futures in Education. 15 (5), pp. 602-619. https://doi.org/10.1177/1478210317719792
AuthorsCole, M. and Maisuria, A.
Abstract

In this article, we provide a critical explanation and critique of neoliberal policy. We attempt an innovative focus ranging from the wider contemporary political and ideological shifts, to specific higher education influences and consequences, of neoliberalism. We do this in three parts that follows a narrative logic where we explore the bigger picture, which we then locate concentrating on specific and particular examples with a long view of class struggle. In the first part, we lay out neoliberalism and explicate its basic principles in abstraction. This is necessary for part two, where we contextualise neoliberalism specifically within the English higher education system with specific reference to the policy agenda of the Government. In the third and final part of the article we suggest an alternative higher education model that simultaneously exists and flourishes with and against the neoliberal hegemony.
We conclude by suggesting the possibility of class formation and struggle in this moment of history when neoliberalism is expanding and deepening.

KeywordsNeoliberalism; Thatcher; Higher education; Marxism; An alternative: “student as producer”; Social Science Centre
JournalPolicy Futures in Education
Journal citation15 (5), pp. 602-619
ISSN1478-2103
Year2017
PublisherSAGE Publications
Accepted author manuscript
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1177/1478210317719792
Web address (URL)https://doi.org/10.1177/1478210317719792
Publication dates
Print01 Jun 2017
Online25 Jul 2017
Publication process dates
Deposited09 Jun 2017
Accepted22 May 2017
Accepted22 May 2017
Copyright informationCole, M. & Maisuria, A., The Neoliberalisation of Higher Education in England: An Alternatives is Possible, Policy Futures in Education, 15(5) pp. 602-619. Copyright © 2017 SAGE. Reprinted by permission of SAGE Publications.
LicenseAll rights reserved
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