Inequality, Innovation and Reform in Higher Education: Challenges of Migration and Ageing Populations (Lifelong Learning

In the broader context of lifelong learning and widening access to higher education this book focuses on ethical, educational and organizational implications of three main dimensions: first, contemporary migration patterns and issues of citizenship; second, global ageing of the world’s population; and, third, changing patterns of the life course.
Themes addressed in this book include the following:
· The implications of contemporary global migration patterns for higher education
· The implications of the increasing proportion of older age cohorts in the populations of most developed countries (the ‘longevity dividend’);
· Conversely, in some developing countries what are the implications of growing proportions of younger populations (the ‘demographic dividend’)?
What are the consequences of such demographic changes for the labor market and associated knowledge and skill requirements? To what extent might some demographic developments lead to a shrinking higher education landscape – in terms of numbers of institutions and/or range and scale of provision? What are the consequences of these trends for finance, governance and management strategies of higher education institutions?
Addressing the above questions requires genuinely interdisciplinary responses. The authors therefore draw on comparative policy studies, pedagogy, sociology, economics, technology, demography, history and law. In addition to bringing new conceptual approaches to these important issues, and associated critical policy analysis, the book also includes examples of innovative responses from a range of countries and institutions.
“The powerful synergy of the longevity revolution and the technology revolution necessitates a corresponding education revolution. It is clear that the educational assets acquired in youth and early adulthood no longer provide sufficient currency for longer, big change impacted lives. This timely book examines the benefits of creating an inclusive, rights-based culture of learning at every stage of life. It is vital that all individuals gain the necessary intellectual and emotional skills for a rapidly evolving present and an unclear future. Highly recommended reading for policy makers, managers, practitioners and researchers across a range of disciplines.”
Alexandre Kalache, MD, PhD, Co-President, International Longevity Centre (ILC) Global Alliance, President ILC-Brazil, HelpAge International Global Ambassador on Ageing
“How can we understand the current dynamics of migrations and demographic trends to adapt HE access policies accordingly? By bringing together empirical research in different countries, this book offers an essential insight on this very sensitive issue for both individuals and their societies. A must read for researchers and policy makers.”
Gaële Goastellec, Chair, Board of Governors, Consortium of Higher Education Researchers, Observatoire Science, Policy and Society, University of Lausanne, Switzerland
“This volume addresses two issues of growing significance to society generally, ageing and migration, and their implications for higher education. The contributions cover an admirably wide range of countries, shedding different lights on these common themes. The book sets a challenging and informed agenda which policy-makers and institutional leaders would do well to take seriously.”
Tom Schuller, former Dean of Lifelong Learning at Birkbeck, University of London, and Head of the Centre for Educational Research and Innovation at OECD
“Auguste Comte famously observed that demography is destiny. This superb volume examines the powerful impact of two global demographic trends―the unprecedented migration of peoples and aging populations―and the vital role universities can play in responding to them. The book describes a range of innovative and pragmatic responses to serving these populations that other universities can learn from while deepening our understanding of why serving these populations it so important for the health of our communities and our democracies.”
Matthew Hartley, Professor of Education and Associate Dean at the University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate School of Education