In addressing the ‘politics of higher education...

In addressing the ‘politics of higher education,’ Henry Giroux was able to highlight how (university) education is ultimately a political and moral practice, and is becoming increasingly commercial in nature. He discusses the corporatization of higher education, comparing university presidents to CEOs and students to customers/consumers in the current higher education system. There were many elements of Giroux’s lecture that really contested my attitude towards education and the higher education system in particular. I have always viewed education as a “safe place” where students are provided with the means to pursue their interests, realize their potential, while being guided by their professors and provided with the necessary resources and support by the university administration. I still value the higher education system, but after being a university student for the last 4-5 years, I have come to realize that universities are businesses, are really looking out for their best interests, to increase enrolment, gain prestige, etc. and are likely oblivious to the quality of education that they are providing to their “consumers”. I know many people, (myself included) who decided to pursue higher education to avoid going into the workforce. My view of academia (as a career) and being able to avoid labouring, researching, and producing work based on someone else’s agenda seems really naïve and idealistic now… despite all the negative criticism of higher education, I am glad that Giroux emphasized the role of students as agents of change and not merely passive consumers within the education system.

Helen T