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The Transformations of Higher Education in the United States Since 1945

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The Capitalist University: The Transformations of Higher Education in the United States since 1945

by James Griffiths

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Print length	:	264 pages

The American higher education system has undergone a series of profound transformations since the end of World War II. These transformations have been driven by a variety of factors, including the influx of returning veterans, the Cold War, the civil rights movement, and the rise of the digital age. As a result of these changes, higher education in the United States is now more accessible, more diverse, and more technologically advanced than ever before.

The Postwar Era

The end of World War II brought about a surge in the number of Americans seeking higher education. The GI Bill, which provided financial assistance to veterans, helped to make college more affordable for many returning soldiers. As a result, the number of students enrolled in college increased from 1.5 million in 1945 to 3.6 million in 1950.

The postwar era also saw the rise of the baby boomers, a generation of Americans born between 1946 and 1964. As the baby boomers came of age, they fueled a further increase in the demand for higher education. By 1970, the number of students enrolled in college had reached 8.6 million.

The Cold War

The Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union had a significant impact on higher education. The fear of Soviet technological superiority led to a renewed emphasis on science and engineering education. In 1958, the Soviet Union launched Sputnik, the first artificial satellite to orbit the Earth. This event sparked a national panic and led to a major investment in science and math education in the United States.

The Civil Rights Movement

The civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s had a profound impact on higher education. The movement led to the desegregation of colleges and universities, and it also inspired a new generation of students to fight for social justice. In 1964, the Civil Rights Act banned discrimination in education, and it helped to open the doors of higher education to students of all races and backgrounds.

The Vietnam War

The Vietnam War had a major impact on higher education. The war led to a wave of student protests and activism. Students protested the war, the draft, and the government's treatment of African Americans. The protests culminated in the Kent State shootings in 1970, in which four students were killed by National Guardsmen.

The Student Protests

The student protests of the 1960s and 1970s had a lasting impact on higher education. The protests led to a number of changes in college governance, including the establishment of student councils and the creation of new opportunities for student input. The protests also led to a greater emphasis on social responsibility and activism in higher education.

Affirmative Action

Affirmative action is a set of policies and practices designed to increase the number of minority students and faculty in higher education. Affirmative action was first implemented in the 1960s, and it has been a controversial topic ever since. Supporters of affirmative action argue that it is necessary to overcome the legacy of discrimination in education. Opponents of affirmative action argue that it discriminates against white students.

Title IX

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 is a federal law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in any educational institution that receives federal funding. Title IX has had a major impact on higher education. It has led to increased opportunities for women in sports, academics, and other areas. Title IX has also helped to protect women from sexual harassment and discrimination.

No Child Left Behind

No Child Left Behind (NCLB) is a federal law that was enacted in 2002. NCLB requires states to test students in reading and math each year. The law also requires schools to make progress toward meeting certain academic standards. NCLB has been a controversial law, and it has been criticized for being too focused on testing and for not providing enough support to struggling schools.

Common Core State Standards

The Common Core State Standards (CCSS) are a set of academic standards that have been adopted by most states in the United States. The CCSS are designed to ensure that all students are graduating from high school with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in college and the workforce. The CCSS have been controversial, and they have been criticized for being too rigid and for not taking into account the needs of individual students.

Digital Learning

The digital age has had a major impact on higher education. The rise of online learning has made it possible for students to take courses from anywhere in the world. Online learning has also made it possible for students to learn at their own pace and on their own schedule. The digital age has also led to the development of new tools and technologies that can be used to improve teaching and learning.

The future of higher education in the United States is uncertain. However, it is clear that the system will continue to evolve to meet the needs of a changing world. The challenges facing higher education are significant, but they are also an opportunity to create a more equitable and just education system for all.

The Capitalist University: The Transformations of Higher Education in the United States since 1945

by James Griffiths

5 out of 5