Question

Minoque’s argument relies on two metaphors. First, the university is a life form and therefore is affected by such evolutionary forces as competition and survival mechanisms. Second, higher education is a commodity and so is driven by maraket forces such as profit and supply and demand. Identify, track, and then evaluate several specific uses of each metaphor in his essay. Comment on what each metaphor contributes to Minoque’s argument. For example, how does describing higher education as “hatched in a monastic cocoon” (para. 2) set up his later claim that research universities cannot survive in a global environment? Similarly, how does Minoque use the metaphor of value to prove that universities will ultimately become obsolete? To what extent is it responsible to analyze education with the language of evolution and economics? Why or why not?

Answer 1

Recent times have witnessed a rapid increase in the number of Universities across the globe. Almost all the Universities are struggling hard to get students from all over the world and thus it has become the survival of the fittest. If we look at the advertisements the Universities make about their infrastructure, faculty strength, scholarships etc. As the saying goes, when the going gets tough only the tough get going, it’s the time when all the universities are fighting for their survival. Thus Monoque is right in stating that the university is a life form and therefore is affected by such evolutionary forces as competition and survival mechanisms. Education once belonged to the service sector but now it has become the commodity with all its glamorous advertisements and offers. They have set up offices across the globe and market their commodity, degrees. Universities are becoming obsolete because online degrees are becoming increasingly a favorite among people, especially among the working professionals. There are also more autonomous colleges and professional bodies that award certifications with more skill oriented programs because the traditional Universities are becoming more knowledge focused whereas the job requirements look for skills. People are becoming more of self-learners and with the increase in the technology, people are able to access more accessible and cheap.

Thank you for your question. Please rate if you like the answer.