Interrogating leadership education: Why? For what? For whom?

Area of Science:

• Higher Education Studies
• Leadership Development
• Sociology of Education

Background:

• Leadership education is a growing component of higher education.
• Understanding the purpose and beneficiaries of these programs is crucial.
• Existing literature often overlooks the systemic barriers to access.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the fundamental purpose of leadership education and learning within higher education settings.
• To identify the intended audience for leadership education programs.
• To critically examine the influence of privilege, diverse identities, and socioeconomic class on access to leadership education.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative exploration of existing literature and theoretical frameworks.
• Critical analysis of access and equity in higher education leadership programs.
• Examination of intersectionality in relation to educational opportunities.

Main Results:

• Leadership education serves multiple purposes, including skill development and personal growth.
• Access to leadership programs is often stratified by socioeconomic status and social privilege.
• Identities and class significantly intersect, creating barriers for underrepresented groups.

Conclusions:

• Higher education institutions must address systemic inequities to ensure broader access to leadership education.
• Rethinking program design and outreach is necessary to promote inclusivity.
• Further research is needed on effective strategies for equitable leadership development.