How Does Neoliberalism Influence the Growing Trend of Higher Education?

Abstract

With the election of Thatcher's Conservative government, the U.K. embarked on a reform of higher education that introduced the core idea of neoliberalism. The ensuing knowledge economy, university rankings, and the prevalence of accountability are all changes brought about by neoliberalism in higher education in the U.K. This study seeks to argue that while neoliberalism has brought some benefits to U.K. higher education, there are additional problems that cannot be ignored. These include the potential inability of graduates from disadvantaged backgrounds to access the career opportunities they desire, the claim of disempowerment by academics, and the disadvantaged status of humanities.