Bullshit Towers
Description
This book explores the impact of neoliberal managerialism, framed by the language of bullshit, on higher education in Australia. The book explores the figured world of management, leadership and followership in seeking to understand the changes that have shaped a sector characterised by unacceptably high rates of bullying, disrespect, lack of trust, micromanagement and poor health and wellbeing. In a world context where post-truth rules, the role of the higher education sector in creating citizens unable (or unwilling) to deconstruct the post-truths to which they are exposed is foregrounded. Quality education, increasingly defined as that which transmits the values and 'truths' of the privileged, has become a tool designed to create a compliant neoliberal citizenship willing to accept their allocated status in life. Critical thinking is discouraged despite bullshit words that parody its importance. University staff are de-professionalised, disrespected and disregarded and managers increasingly define themselves as 'the university.' Democracy is dead. Do we join the chorus shouting "long live the autocracy" or do we fight?
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Person
Margaret Sims is Honorary Professor of Early Childhood at Macquarie University and has recently retired from her role of Professor of Early Childhood at the University of New England, Australia. She is a founding member of the Australian National Tertiary Education Union, and served as Branch President, State Vice President and National Councillor. Her research interests include the impact of neoliberalism on education, professionalisation and leadership in early childhood and integrated early childhood service delivery. She is active in supporting the development of the early childhood sector across a range of nations in the Global South. Margaret began her career in New Zealand and has worked in Australia for nearly 30 years. Her family are spread across Australia and New Zealand and she now has 4 great grandchildren in New Zealand.
Content
List of Figures - List of Figures - Neoliberal managerial bullshit and its impact on education - The research process - The figured world of the organisation - The invisibility of privilege - The figured world of managers/leaders - The figured world of followership - Coping with, resisting and changing bullshit - Bibliography - Index.
