Title
The Decline Of Privilege: The Modernization Of Oxford University,Used
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This book studies Oxford University's transformationand the political hazards for academics that ensuedwhen, after World War II, it changed from a private liberalarts club with aristocratic pretensions into a state university heavily committed to the natural sciences, and with a middleclass constituency and a meritocratic ethos. Despite these changes, the author shows that Oxford has not been able to elude its longstanding Brideshead Revisited reputation. This antiquated image became a source of difficulties when the Labour Party in the 1960's sought to expand educational opportunities to promote the cause of social justice. In the 1980's the University again came under attack, this time for its supposedly antiindustrial ethos, as Margaret Thatcher's Conservative Party attempted to reverse Britain's economic decline. The largely unrecognized process of internal change at Oxford is shown to have been driven by two distinct dynamics: its scientists took advantage of huge increases in government funding to build departmental empires, while an informal alliance of reformminded arts dons strove to renew Oxford's collegiate traditions of scholarly excellence and selfgovernance. When the scientists and reformist dons revitalized the University in the light of changed social and economic conditions, they inadvertently eroded the foundations of its autonomy. During its transformation, Oxford lost its upperclass ties, its financial selfsufficiency, and its deferential friends in government. As a result, it was at its weakest when the Thatcher government sought to harness universities to the goals of economic competition. Consequently, Thatcherites successfully rewrote the compact between the state and universities, including the abolition of tenure for new faculty and the elimination of block grant funding. Thus, paradoxically, Oxford's internal renewal coincided with a surrender of its institutional independence.
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- Q: What is the main focus of 'The Decline of Privilege'? A: The book examines the transformation of Oxford University post-World War II, highlighting the political challenges faced by academics as it shifted from a private liberal-arts institution to a state university focused on natural sciences.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: The author of 'The Decline of Privilege' is Joseph A. Soares.
- Q: When was this book published? A: The book was published on December 30, 2002.
- Q: How many pages does 'The Decline of Privilege' have? A: The book contains 339 pages.
- Q: What type of binding does this book have? A: This edition of 'The Decline of Privilege' is a paperback.
- Q: What are the key themes discussed in the book? A: 'The Decline of Privilege' discusses themes such as the erosion of Oxford's autonomy, the impact of government funding, and the internal dynamics between scientists and reform-minded arts faculty.
- Q: Is this book suitable for someone studying higher education policies? A: Yes, this book is particularly relevant for those studying higher education policies, institutional changes, and the socio-political context of universities.
- Q: Does the book address the reputation of Oxford University? A: Yes, the book explores how Oxford's long-standing reputation has affected its evolution and the challenges it faced in adapting to modern educational demands.
- Q: What historical period does the book cover? A: The book primarily covers the period following World War II and examines the subsequent decades, including the 1960s and 1980s.
- Q: Is this book a critical analysis or a historical account? A: The book serves as a critical analysis of Oxford University's transformation, combining historical context with an examination of its implications for academic life.