Care

Abstract

This article critiques “care” within the neoliberal university through two questions: What is the meaning of “care” in a neoliberal university? How is the neoliberal university addressing the social and structural factors that prevent scholars from marginalized communities from succeeding in higher education? It condemns the superficial care promoted by the neoliberal university, which prioritizes competition, prestige, and productivity over genuine support. Participatory-action research challenges these practices by centering marginalized voices. The study included 10 participants (7 women, 2 men, 1 non-binary), all low-income, first-generation college students. Using PhotoVoice, a participatory-action research method, participants documented their social connectedness, sense of belonging, and mental health in graduate education. Their narratives revealed neglect and invisibility, highlighting the negative effects of limited resources, precarious working conditions, financial instability, food insecurity, and inadequate housing on their well-being and quality of life. The article argues that neoliberal universities perpetuate neglect and avoid addressing structural issues like structural racism and settler colonialism. It proposes self-reflexivity, intentionality, and collective resistance as transformative care practices essential for dismantling oppressive systems. These practices offer a revolutionary approach to resisting neoliberalism and fostering community-based care, healing the symbolic, psychological, and emotional harm caused by neoliberal policies. Transformative care is crucial to foster health equity and collective healing in higher education.