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The Commodification Of Colleges: What Does It Lead To?

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Larson
The Commodification Of Colleges: What Does It Lead To?

As a tool to ingrain socialization and emphasize belief in ethical values, education is possibly one of the notable triumphs of human civilization. The system of knowledge that travels from one generation to another is one of the key differences between humans and other non-human species on the planet. 

Since the beginning of humanity, education has come a long way. Over the past few decades, education has substantially changed how students interact with the educational nuclei in terms of consequences that span the socioeconomic realm of society. 

The commodification of colleges has been a topic of discussion for many years. It has become a pressing concern in recent years as the educational sector continues evolving. As education costs continue to skyrocket, many colleges have adopted market-driven practices to keep their business afloat. While this might seem necessary in the wake of inflation, the commodification of colleges has caused many problems for students and society. 

Today, educational institutions have been commodified in multiple ways. One of the most common ways is the immense emphasis on rankings and prestige, creating unnecessary competition among students that has affected the quality of education. Many colleges have started to invest millions of dollars in marketing and boosting their overall standings. This step has added fuel to the already burning fire setting artificial parameters of success, including graduation rates and test scores. 

Profits Over Quality Education 

In recent years, there has been an alarming increase in for-profit colleges, which has heavily contributed to the commodification of higher education. These institutions are functioning as businesses with less emphasis on the quality of education. In many cases, these colleges have been accused of creating a lucrative prospectus targeting students from low-income households. These for-profit colleges and universities promise to deliver quality education but often leave students with nothing but college debt. 

The Impact of Commodification on Students 

The commodification of colleges has had a direct impact on students and society. It has sabotaged the dream of affordable education and turned education into a status symbol. Colleges treating education as a business can threaten academic freedom and diversity. Such colleges may often be forced to focus on comparatively more marketable courses. This approach can lead to the confinement of ideas and perspectives, keeping students trapped in a bubble. 

Academic Freedom and Mental Well-Being

The ongoing trend of commodification of education is a genuine threat to free thinking. It can force students to comply with the interest of their institutions, thus barring them from pointing out the flaws. This can put students in a troublesome position, stripping them from their right to speak against injustices. The constant pressure to maintain the college’s reputation can also drastically impact their mental well-being. It forces students to let go of their ambitions and work toward fulfilling the superficial criteria set by for-profit institutions.

As we grapple with present-day challenges, it is crucial to remember that education is essential to build a tolerant society. While institutions must compete to survive in the market-driven environment, they must also ensure quality education. It is safe to say that the commodification of education can negatively influence students and society. 

Today, quality education has turned into a rare find. Every student wishes to acquire education from well-reputable, credible, or simply authentic institutions. Thanks to the commodification of education, only a few can break in. If you are planning to enroll in a college or do not know what to look for when signing up for your college classes, Deborah Pointer’s You’re In!: College Planning for High School Students is the book for you. It is not just a book but a map that will guide you through the entire process of applying to colleges. It’s a book every student should read before enrolling in a reputable college. The book will teach you if your objectives align with the goals of the college of your choice.

Get the book today and transform your future now.

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