The political economy of international higher education: Balancing quality education and social responsibility
List of Authors
  • Fay Patel

Keyword
  • International Higher Education Institutions, Glocal communities, Quality education, Social responsibility, UNESCO 2030 Sustainability Development Goals

Abstract
  • International Higher Education Institutions (IHEIs) are currently in a state of crisis regarding assurance of quality education within a socially responsible paradigm. As noted in the international media, IHEIs are increasing their efforts to enhance the quality of education, and yet, except for some IHEIs, there is inadequate evidence that quality education agendas are aligned to social responsibility actions to improve the quality of life of glocal (global and local) communities. This paper focuses on the apparent dichotomy, tensions, dilemmas, challenges and opportunities to reframe quality education and social responsibility agendas within a UNESCO 2030 Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs) framework. Recommendations are made to embrace a socially responsible quality education strategy aligned to the UNESCO 2030 SDGs and contribute to the common good. A critical review of the emerging literature highlights the absence of a social responsibility strategy among IHEIs. The author asserts that there are several opportunities for international higher education to commit to a Higher Education Social Responsibility Strategy thereby ensuring that the UNESCO 2030 SDGs are collectively achieved through partnership, collaboration and commitment to enhancing the quality of life of glocal communities.

Reference
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