Penn State

Consortium forSocial Movements and Education
Research and Practice

Faculty and student engagement in the Argentine grassroots rebellion: toward a democratic and emancipatory vision of the university

Faculty and student engagement in the Argentine grassroots rebellion: toward a democratic and emancipatory vision of the university

Jenée Slocum, Robert Rhoads
2009
2009

Abstract

Following Argentina's economic collapse of December 2001, the authors examine the engagement of university faculty and students in various grassroots movements. Based on a qualitative study involving 24 formal structured interviews, 18 informal interviews, observation-based field work, and document analysis, the authors identify key forms of faculty and student engagement as well as the manner in which individuals discussed the relationship between universities and society. Findings are used to advance the idea of a more democratic and emancipatory vision of the contemporary university and build on the work of Boaventura de Sousa Santos. Throughout the article, the authors ground their discussion in international/comparative literature addressing globalization, neoliberalism, university reform, and social movements.

Abstract

Following Argentina's economic collapse of December 2001, the authors examine the engagement of university faculty and students in various grassroots movements. Based on a qualitative study involving 24 formal structured interviews, 18 informal interviews, observation-based field work, and document analysis, the authors identify key forms of faculty and student engagement as well as the manner in which individuals discussed the relationship between universities and society. Findings are used to advance the idea of a more democratic and emancipatory vision of the contemporary university and build on the work of Boaventura de Sousa Santos. Throughout the article, the authors ground their discussion in international/comparative literature addressing globalization, neoliberalism, university reform, and social movements.

Social Movements

Grassroots, Youth Activism

Keywords

Democracy, Globalization, Higher Education, Latin America, Policy

Theme

Social Movements Within; Through; and for Public Education