ABSTRACT

This chapter will consider the rise of the ‘multiversity’ and the place of public higher education in its development. The term ‘multiversity’ indicates the multiple functions of research, contribution to economic growth, cultural reproduction and teaching, as well as possible conflicts among these different aims. Relatively neglected among the functions of the modern university, however, is its role in democracy, and also how democracy has shaped the university. In this context, the professionalisation of the academic role is also considered as involving the democratisation of the professions. It will conclude with a discussion of neo-liberalism and its impact upon the university, both in terms of undermining its role in democracy and also de-professionalisation of the academic role.