The higher education industry might seem like it's booming, with over
200 million students in universities and colleges worldwide and funds
flowing in like never before. But the truth is that these institutions
have never been unhappier places to work. Corporate-style management,
cost-cutting governments, mobilisations by angry students and strikes by
a disgruntled workforce have taken their toll - in almost every country
around the world. It's no wonder that there is talk of 'universities in
crisis.'
But what should a 'good university' look like? In this inspiring new
work, Raewyn Connell asks us to consider just that, challenging us to
rethink the fundamentals of what universities do. Drawing on the
examples offered by pioneering universities and educational reformers
around the world, Connell outlines a practical vision for how our
universities can become both more engaging and more productive places,
driven by social good rather than profit, helping to build fairer
societies.