Prefiguring the Idea of the University for a Post-Capitalist Society

Using an Open Marxist theoretical framework, this book provides a critique of the neoliberal reforms made to higher education since the late 1970s and the impact this has had on the sector. Rather than arguing for a return to the idea of the public university, the book argues that public and private models of higher education are both forms of capitalist accumulation and have historically perpetuated forms of oppression, exploitation and discrimination; thus, a more radical solution that addresses both the current crisis of higher education and the contradictory and exploitative nature of late capitalism is required. This book critically examines the autonomous learning spaces that emerged out of the UK student protests (2009-2010) and documents what can be learned from them to prefigure the idea of the university for a post-capitalist society.

Documents and critically examines the importance of autonomous learning Examines the use of participatory action research for academics and activists involved in political projects Outlines how the lessons learned can be used to inform the development of an alternative model of higher education

Auteur

Gary Saunders is Associate Professor in Criminology and Sociology at the University of Nottingham, UK.

Contenu

1. Higher Education Policy and Reform in England (1945 present).- Chapter 2. Protest and Resistance: The Emergence of Autonomous Learning Spaces.- Chapter 3. Understanding the Practical and Theoretical Importance of Autonomous Learning Spaces.- Chapter 4. Methodology.- Chapter 5. Participatory Action Research and the Social Science Centre.- Chapter 6. Case Study Research with Six Autonomous Learning Spaces in the UK.- Chapter 7. Discussion of Research Findings.