The Latin American University model and the challenges posed by the reforms: Perspectives from the academics

Abstract

This paper analyses the characteristics of the university model sustained by academics in Latin America. According to Bernasconi (Comp Educ Rev 52(1):27–52, 2007, p. 30) the American model of research university is the one that is becoming dominant in the public sector. The findings presented in this work are not so reassuring. In fact the author finds support for the idea that, while the old model is being undermined by the dynamics of the region, a more realistic picture is one where conflicting values and goals are evident in the universities. Thus competing models are being advocated, and these disputes weaken the real capacity for universities to agree on strategic action. The study presented in this chapter uses data collected under the Changing Academic Profession (CAP) Project for the countries of Argentina, Brazil, and Mexico. The author analyses the main traits of differentiation inside the Latin American academic profession and how these differences influence the way academics think a university should be organized, governed and operated.