How to promote real equality in higher education

Authors
Mieschbuehler, Ruth
Affiliation
University of Derby
Issue Date
2020-10-30

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Abstract
This chapter aims to open up a debate about two meanings of ‘equality’ in higher education (HE). The first meaning of ‘equality’ is ‘the right to be the same’. The second meaning of ‘equality’ is ‘the right to be different’. Three contrasting examples from politics, compulsory education and HE are given in detail to illustrate how the meaning of the term ‘equality’ has changed. The older meaning of ‘equality’ required a universal and common education for all students. The newer meaning requires the curriculum to be refocused on the perceived group identities that necessitate a variety of curricula. The curriculum in HE has become divisive and undermines education for all students. This chapter raises issues that are rarely discussed for fear of being offensive. The future of HE depends on opening up a debate about the divisive nature of current conceptions of ‘equality’ that undermine HE – the university - as the embodiment of Enlightenment universalism.
Citation
Mieschbuehler, R. (2020). 'How to bring about real equality in higher education'. In Bartram, B. (Ed). 'Understanding Contemporary Issues in Higher Education: Contradictions, Complexities and Challenges'. London and New York: Routledge.
Publisher
Routledge
URI
http://hdl.handle.net/10545/625494
Additional Links
https://www.routledge.com/Understanding-Contemporary-Issues-in-Higher-Education-Contradictions-Complexities/Bartram/p/book/9780367374150?gclid=Cj0KCQiAw_H-BRD-ARIsALQE_2N94udbr_roJ1aKgjqacHQQdYeEEqViwSH8Bm3-QhCArmxSWgHVEuwaAigyEALw_wcB
Type
Book chapter
Language
en
ISBN
9780367374150
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Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International
Except where otherwise noted, this item's license is described as Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International