Consuming Higher Education: Why Learning Can't be Bought

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Consuming Higher Education explores the status of students within the university and society, and the funding and purpose of higher education, drawing on empirical data, UK and USA government policy documents, speeches by policy makers and media representations of students. Joanna Williams moves beyond the debates surrounding fees to consider the impact of the consumption model on universities, learning, knowledge, and student identity. While consumer status initially appears to empower students, Williams argues that it ultimately erodes students' autonomy and reduces learning to an instrumental focus on credit accumulation. At the same time, in giving students consumer status, lecturers are encouraged to avoid intellectually or emotionally challenging content so as not to upset student consumers, which could promote dissatisfaction. Williams draws these themes and arguments together to consider what it means to be a student and to explore alternative conceptions of higher education.

Reviews

If you have been discouraged by what you think may well be undesirable trends in higher education, I urge you to read this book - and to consider the questions Joanna Williams raises. * From the Foreword by Arthur L. Wilson, Associate Professor of Adult Education, Department of Education, Cornell University. USA *
Consuming Higher Education is a very important contribution to thinking about the shape of higher education today. It grapples head-on with the pervasive trope of 'student-as-consumer', illuminating the complex socio-historical and cultural influences that have come to shape contemporary university students as consumers. Yet, the book is by no means all gloom. Joanna Williams argues lucidly, persuasively and inspiringly for putting 'intellectual struggle' at the heart of university education. * Monica McLean, Professor of Education, University of Nottingham, UK *
Consuming Higher Education is a timely and comprehensive treatment of a phenomenon that is of growing importance as governments everywhere embark on market-based reforms. It should be read and reflected on by everyone with an interest in the future health of our higher education system. * Roger Brown, Professor of Higher Education Policy, Liverpool Hope University, UK *

Author Bio

Joanna Williams is a Lecturer in Higher Education and Academic Practice at the University of Kent, UK.