Inequality, Innovation and Reform in Higher Education : Challenges of Migration and Ageing Populations

In the broader context of lifelong learning and widening access to higher education this book focuses on ethical, educational and organizational implications of three main dimensions: first, contemporary migration patterns and issues of citizenship; second, global ageing of the world’s population; and, third, changing patterns of the life course.

Themes addressed in this book include the following:

·         The implications of contemporary global migration patterns for higher education

·         The implications of the increasing proportion of older age cohorts in the populations of most developed countries (the ‘longevity dividend’);

·         Conversely, in some developing countries what are the implications of growing proportions of younger populations (the ‘demographic dividend’)?

What are the consequences of such demographic changes for the labor market and associated knowledge and skill requirements? To what extent might some demographic developments lead to a shrinking higher education landscape – in terms of numbers of institutions and/or range and scale of provision? What are the consequences of these trends for finance, governance and management strategies of higher education institutions?

Addressing the above questions requires genuinely interdisciplinary responses. The authors therefore draw on comparative policy studies, pedagogy, sociology, economics, technology, demography, history and law. In addition to bringing new conceptual approaches to these important issues, and associated critical policy analysis, the book also includes examples of innovative responses from a range of countries and institutions.

An important backdrop to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals involves consideration of the impact of a ‘new demographics’ derived from the interaction of two global developments. First, high levels of internal and cross-border mass migration, stimulated by climate change, violence and disparities in wealth and social stability within and between different countries and the global South and North. Second, the phenomenon of increasing longevity and rapidly ageing populations, especially in the developed world.  This book explores the central role that socially engaged higher education might potentially play in helping address these challenges, enhancing lifelong learning opportunities and facilitating more positive outcomes for both individuals and societies. The contributors to this book are scholars of higher education and lifelong learning based in twelve countries from Europe (Germany, Ireland, Slovenia, Sweden and the United Kingdom),the Americas (Brazil, Canada, Mexico and the USA), Japan, Australia and New Zealand.  “This is an extremely timely and important collection focusing on growing migrationand an increase in ageing populations, two major social trends that researchers in highereducation often overlook. The multi-level analysis of the role that higher education canplay, together with the contributions from 12 countries in the North and South makethis one of the most outstanding collections on these themes.” Rajani Naidoo, Director, International Centre for HE Management, University of Bath.  “Auguste Comte famously observed that demography is destiny. This superb volumeexamines the powerful impact of two global demographic trends, and the vital roleuniversities can play in responding to them. The book describes a range of innovativeand pragmatic responses, while deepening our understanding of why serving thesepopulations it so important for the health of our communities and our democracies.”Matthew Hartley, Professor and Associate Dean, GSE, University of Pennsylvania.  “The powerful synergy of the longevity revolution and the technology revolutionnecessitates a corresponding education revolution. It is clear that the educationalassets acquired in youth and early adulthood no longer provide sufficient currencyfor longer, big change impacted lives. This timely book examines the benefits of creatingan inclusive, rights-based culture of learning at every stage of life.” Alexandre Kalache, Co-President, International Longevity Centre (ILC) Global Alliance and ILC Brazil.  “How can we understand the current dynamics of migrations and demographic trendsto adapt HE access policies accordingly? By bringing together empirical research indifferent countries, this book offers an essential insight on this very sensitive issuefor both individuals and their societies. A must read for researchers and policy makers.”Gaële Goastellec, Professor of Sociology, University of Lausanne, Chair of the Consortium of Higher Education Researchers.  “The contributions cover an admirably wide range of countries, shedding different lights on these common themes. The book sets a challenging and informed agenda which policy-makers and institutional leaders would do well to take seriously.”Tom Schuller, Formerly Head of the Centre for Educational Research and Innovation, OECD.