From Plan to Market...Marketizing the Non-Economic: The economy of higher education: markets and marketization of Canadian post-secondary education

Abstract

This dissertation examines post-secondary education (PSE) through six case studies of criminal justice departments found in Canadian universities. It argues that postsecondary education is highly marketized in terms of demand but is more immune to market influences at the level of the state. The dissertation uses a relational analysis to examine relations between the state and post-secondary institutions. It identifies three primary markets in post-secondary education including academic labour and research markets, institutional finance markets, and student /labour and credential markets. Utilizing the concept of marketization, defined as a host of policy changes which seek to make institutions more accountable, the study assess the shift of post-secondary education toward a commercial and corporate form. I consider the institutions of post-secondary education as a constellation of power relationships between the state and institution, between institutions themselves, between professors and institutions, between professors and students, between institutions and students and between external forces such as markets and states, markets and institutions, markets and students, and markets and professors. The content of these relationships is determined by the intensity, character, and nature of their interdependences. This work seeks to reveal these relationships by examining the role of the state and various markets that constitute post-secondary education, what this looks like and its effect on the constitution of liberal arts education. This thesis argues that the current post-secondary academic form in Canada may be considered as a reflection of market practices and the operation of the state in a relational manner. I want to acknowledge my colleagues at the University of Winnipeg, without whom I would not have finished. To Michael, Jane, Steven, and Richard, thanks for the discussions, the laughter, and the undying support. And to the newest members of our work family, Kevin and Michelle. A fantastic place to work.Specific thanks to Paul Datta, who over pints, phone conversations, long drives, and friendship was not only an intellectual interlocutor but a wonderful friend. Many thanks, Comrade. To Robyn, Erin, and Mike for the early stages. And to Shannon, Anissa, and the Billies, for wine, beer, and song.And my beautiful daughters, Gabrielle and Mara, who grew up with a mom as a student and suffered through my difficulties balancing family with work. I love them more than words can say. To Paul I owe a great debt of gratitude simply for being the person he is. My sisters, nieces and nephews, and father for financial and loving support, and for always pointing out who was the nerd of the family. And finally, thanks to Greg for his wonderful sense of humour, mad editing skills, and love. the resulting tensions in which it operates. Chapter Four, States, Markets, and Criminal Justice: the complicated state and the role of markets in post-secondary education, makes connections between the history of shifts in post-s...