Globalization, Social Movements, and the American University: Implications for Research and Practice

Abstract

This chapter examines the influence of globalization on the American university and the increasing importance of social movements and the engagement of universities and the role their social actors play in advancing social change. The authors contend that traditional organizations increasingly are limited in their ability to advance social change by the growing power of global structures and networks. Of particular note is the power of neoliberal economic ideology and its dominance in framing global processes and the role of universities in a growing knowledge-based economy. As a consequence, the authors point out that universities increasingly become targets of social reform to be brought into greater alignment with the interests of global capital. Alternatively, social movements and the engagement of universities offer opportunities for oppositional action aimed at serving diverse public spheres and constituencies. The authors conclude by identifying several implications for research and practice.