Globalization and markets: challenges for higher education

Abstract

The object of this paper is to reflect upon the intersection of, and explore the interconnections between, globalization and higher education. It outlines the essential characteristics of globalization, with an analysis of its dimensions and implications (in particular, exclusion). It shows that, over the past three decades, globalization has been associated with uneven development and asymmetrical consequences for both countries and people. This sets the stage in the wider context of development. The paper then develops an analytical framework to consider how globalization relates to and influences the world of higher education. It argues that the retreat of the state and the advance of the market have changed the national context, and that the spread of markets is beginning to exercise a significant influence on higher education. There are inherent dangers to such ommercialization, but there are also some opportunities to learn from markets. This paper also shows that the gathering momentum of globalization, which has changed the international context, is beginning to reshape higher education. The associated globalization of education has major positive and negative implications for development. Markets and globalization together could transform the world of higher education. However, education as business, particularly in universities, is not conducive to economic development and social progress. Therefore, countries should formulate policies for higher education in the pursuit of development, so as to minimize the dangers and capture the opportunities created by markets and globalization.