Trends in higher education under neoliberalism: Between traditional education and the culture of globalization

Authors:
  • AYAbu Al-Haija Younis
    Abu Al-Haija Younis
  • MHMahamid Hatim
    Mahamid Hatim
Open Access
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Abstract
This article aims to investigate the impact of neoliberalism on the trends of higher education, and on the changes in the approach of universities and colleges between traditional education and education in the service of globalization and neoliberalism. The research method was theoretical and qualitative that demonstrates the progressive impact of modern enlightenment ideas in higher education institutions and their spread in many countries in order to serve the interests of economic and technological competition, and control over the market's capabilities and requirements. Despite the increase in higher education institutions and the emergence of private colleges in different countries, which attract increasing numbers of students, there are several negative aspects in the approach of higher education, including changes in the structure of the academic institution and its scientific, cultural and administrative orientations. This liberal trend also directly affects the quality of education, in addition to the commodification of education. Moreover, contributions of the private sector have increased with the aim of providing a workforce that is professionally trained and capable of managing business, trade and the market, at the expense of the humanities, social sciences, arts and critical thinking. More importantly, the decline in the quality of education and its educational outcomes, in terms of academic efficiency and scientific research in the service of human and societal matters is evident. The goal of education has become centered on graduating generations that are not scientifically or intellectually qualified, far from their social concerns and democratic intellectual liberation. Key words: Neoliberalism, higher education, private institutions, traditional sciences, economics and globalization, education quality, brain drain. This article aims to investigate the impact of neoliberalism on the trends of higher education, and on the changes in the approach of universities and colleges between traditional education and education in the service of globalization and neoliberalism. The research method was theoretical and qualitative that demonstrates the progressive impact of modern enlightenment ideas in higher education institutions and their spread in many countries in order to serve the interests of economic and technological competition, and control over the market's capabilities and requirements. Despite the increase in higher education institutions and the emergence of private colleges in different countries, which attract increasing numbers of students, there are several negative aspects in the approach of higher education, including changes in the structure of the academic institution and its scientific, cultural and administrative orientations. This liberal trend also directly affects the quality of education, in addition to the commodification of education. Moreover, contributions of the private sector have increased with the aim of providing a workforce that is professionally trained and capable of managing business, trade and the market, at the expense of the humanities, social sciences, arts and critical thinking. More importantly, the decline in the quality of education and its educational outcomes, in terms of academic efficiency and scientific research in the service of human and societal matters is evident. The goal of education has become centered on graduating generations that are not scientifically or intellectually qualified, far from their social concerns and democratic intellectual liberation. Key words: Neoliberalism, higher education, private institutions, traditional sciences, economics and globalization, education quality, brain drain.

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