Neoliberal Policies Impact on Latin American Higher Education: Evidence from Chile, Brazil, and Mexico

• In Event: Policies, norms, and disruptions in higher education

Proposal

Introduction

Neoliberal policies (NLP) have significantly shaped global higher education systems, including Latin America. Based on free market principles and limited government intervention, these policies have had far-reaching consequences for the region's structure and functioning of higher education institutions (Mendoza & Lisa, 2020). These policies gained prominence during the late 20th century as countries sought to address economic challenges through market-oriented reforms (Espinoza, 2002; Fernández Lamarra, 2012). Structural adjustment programs imposed by international financial institutions further reinforced neoliberal ideologies in many Latin American nations (Espinoza, 2008; Espinoza & McGinn, 2023).
Neoliberalism framed itself on free market and human development theories that promoted structural changes beyond the economy's limits (Al-Haija & Mahamid, 2021). This framework was attractive to Latin America, as they were perceived to offer potential solutions to the region's economic and social challenges (Espinoza & McGinn, 2023). Some critical factors that made neoliberalism appealing in Latin America include 1) Economic Crisis and Stagnation. During the 1980s and 1990s, many Latin American countries experienced economic crises and stagnation. Neoliberal policies were seen to address these challenges by promoting free markets, deregulation, and attracting foreign investment. 2) External Pressure and Conditionalities. International financial institutions like the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) often imposed NLP as conditions for financial assistance and loans. 3) Desire for Global Integration. Latin American countries sought to improve their competitiveness and gain access to global markets.
The implementation of NLP produced several significant changes in different sectors, among others, higher education. This study explores the key features of Neoliberal policies and their impact on three countries' higher education systems. We contend that one way to create counter policies that produce positive changes, we must be based on solid information. This is one of the best ways to “protest” for changes that may improve the Latin American higher education system.

Research Design

This ongoing study intends to describe and compare the impact of Neoliberal policies on Brazil, Chile, and Mexico, three countries that have been active endorsers of these policies to expand their higher education systems. The global research question that guides this study is: To what extent Neoliberal policies implemented over the last 30 years in Brazil, Chile, and Mexico have impacted the commercialization, access, and quality of their higher education systems? The data analysis centers around the three indicators in each country to compare them later. The data is retrieved from each country's available policy reports and databases.
The comparison indicators are briefly explained as follows:

Commercialization. As governments reduced funding for public universities due to austerity measures, private universities emerged as an alternative for students seeking access to tertiary education (Fernández Lamarra, 2012). Under neoliberalism, commercial activities within higher education institutions have become increasingly prevalent (Ginsburg et al., 2003). Universities are encouraged to generate revenue through partnerships with the private sector, patenting research findings, or offering corporate training programs (Mendoza & Lisa, 2020). Universities compete for student enrollment through marketing strategies and branding efforts. Research question one: To what extent the commercialization of higher education has impacted the system in each country?
Access. Privatization has led to disparities in access based on socioeconomic status or geographical location, as private universities often charge higher tuition fees that may be unaffordable for marginalized populations (Fernández Lamarra, 2012). Consequently, there is a risk of perpetuating inequalities rather than addressing them. These policies have increased access to higher education, but this increase has not been evenly distributed. Students from wealthier families are still more likely to attend university than students from poorer families (Mendoza & Lisa, 2020). Research question two: What has been the impact of Neoliberal policies on higher education access in each country?
Quality. In response to market-oriented reforms, quality assurance mechanisms have become increasingly important within Latin American higher education systems (Gregorutti et al., 2014). Accreditation agencies play a crucial role in evaluating the quality of institutions and programs (Al-Haija & Mahamid, 2021). However, reliance on rankings and performance indicators can sometimes lead to a narrow focus on measurable outcomes rather than holistic assessments of educational excellence. Research question three: To what extent have the quality assurance policies reshaped each country's higher education system?

Discussion

Based on the outcomes, the paper looks forward to also discussing the role of government in developing human capital. The goal is to provide evidence-based information to unfold counter policies for the compared cases and the whole region.

Authors

• Gus Gregorutti, Andrews University

• Oscar Espinoza, Universidad de Tarapaca