The Social Production of Knowledge in a Neoliberal Age

This book examines the impact of neoliberalism on higher education and explores possibilities for progressive change in knowledge production, highlighting urgent issues faced by universities today.

In The Social Production of Knowledge in a Neoliberal Age, a diverse group of authors from the social sciences and humanities come together to analyze the profound impact of neoliberal restructuring on higher education. They delve into the intricate relationship between neoliberalism and the production of knowledge, highlighting the tensions that arise when universities are reconfigured to serve market demands rather than societal needs. This critical examination reveals how the neoliberal agenda has transformed educational institutions into entities that prioritize economic utility over intellectual inquiry.

The authors argue that the essence of neoliberalism, which was initially presented as a means to liberate individuals from state control, has morphed into a system where individuals are increasingly subservient to market forces. The push for market-oriented reforms in higher education has led to a troubling paradox: instead of fostering an environment conducive to critical thought and informed citizenship, these reforms have resulted in bureaucratic inefficiencies and a culture that stifles dissenting voices. The desire for 'transferable' skills and knowledge has overshadowed the importance of cultivating critical perspectives and engaging with complex societal issues.

Throughout The Social Production of Knowledge in a Neoliberal Age, the authors explore the implications of these developments, emphasizing the urgent need for resistance and progressive change within universities. They advocate for a reimagining of knowledge production that prioritizes critical engagement and social responsibility, challenging the prevailing neoliberal narrative that seeks to commodify education. This book serves as a call to action for scholars, educators, and students alike to reclaim the transformative potential of higher education in the face of growing authoritarianism and market dominance.