Neoliberalism in academia: reflections from a parasitologist

Area of Science:

• Sociology of Education
• Higher Education Studies
• Neoliberalism Studies

Background:

• The higher education sector has undergone significant political and structural transformations driven by neoliberalism over the past two decades.
• The widespread adoption of managerialism, particularly in Anglo-Saxon countries, has fundamentally altered the academic landscape.
• Academics entering the field in the 2000s may not fully recognize the extent of these changes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the shift from traditional to neoliberal academia and its impact on academics.
• To explore the effects of marketization, performance metrics, and changing academic values on academic wellbeing.
• To discuss the implications for academic careers, job satisfaction, and the broader mission of universities.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of peer-reviewed literature on neoliberalism, managerialism, and higher education.
• Inclusion of personal experiences of academics to provide a nuanced perspective.
• Qualitative examination of the impact on early- and mid-career scholars.

Main Results:

• Neoliberalism has led to the marketization of education, characterized by increased tuition fees and performance metrics.
• Academic values such as professional autonomy and academic freedom have been eroded.
• Institutions prioritize economic efficiency over intellectual inquiry, increasing administrative workloads and negatively impacting academic wellbeing.

Conclusions:

• The current academic environment, driven by neoliberalism and managerialism, poses significant challenges to academic careers and job satisfaction.
• The core mission of universities as centers of scholarship and public service is threatened.
• Urgent action is needed from academic leaders and policymakers to support and protect the fundamental values of academia.