Mass Intellectuality and Democratic Leadership in Higher Education - (Perspectives on Leadership in Higher Education) by Joss Winn & Richard Hall

Book Synopsis

Higher education in the UK is in crisis. The idea of the public university is under assault, and both the future of the sector and its relationship to society are being gambled. Higher education is increasingly unaffordable, its historic institutions are becoming untenable, and their purpose is resolutely instrumental. What and who have led us to this crisis? What are the alternatives? To whom do we look for leadership in revealing those alternatives?

This book critically analyses intellectual leadership in the university, exploring ongoing efforts from around the world to create alternative models for organizing higher education and the production of knowledge. Its authors offer their experience and views from inside and beyond the structures of mainstream higher education, in order to reflect on efforts to create alternatives. In the process the volume asks: is it possible to re-imagine the university democratically and co-operatively? If so, what are the implications for leadership not just within the university but also in terms of higher education's relationship to society?

The authors argue that mass higher education is at the point where it no longer reflects the needs, capacities and long-term interests of global society. An alternative role and purpose is required, based upon 'mass intellectuality' or the real possibility of democracy in learning and the production of knowledge.

Review Quotes

An experiment in writing and publishing, one that tests the boundaries of current public discourse about fundamental systemic issues in higher education current in the UK today. It also respresents an impressive achievement, articulating a critique against many conventional paradigms. The authors provide a readable if often challenging account of a higher education in meltdown. But they also signal ways forward, both from within institutions and through extrinsic work, taking international and local 'revolutionary' experiences into the account.
Lynne Gornall, Leader of the Working Lives Research Team, University of South Wales, UK

Intellectually stimulating, there are also persuasive arguments and indubitable academic excellence to be discovered ... A remarkable book that is certainly worthwhile reflecting upon for all who care about the future of HE and how to make it better.
Journal of Applied Learning and Teaching

About the Author

Richard Hall is Professor of Education and Technology at De Montfort University, UK, where he is Co-Director of the Institute for Education Futures. He is also a Higher Education Academy National Teaching Fellow.

Joss Winn is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Education, University of Lincoln, UK.