Korean Higher Education Reforms and Changes since the 1990s

Abstract

Korean higher education has experienced significant changes since the 1990s. Terms like quality, excellence, competition, efficiency, restructuring, and accountability have become dominant in higher education discourse. These changes are integral parts of higher education reforms implemented by the South Korean government and higher educational institutions. The research examines the neoliberal nature of these reforms and their impact on Korean institutions, students, and faculty members. Specifically, the study first examines higher education reform proposals and rationales. Next, the study analyzes discourse surrounding Korean higher education. Third, the impact of these reforms on Korean institutions, students, and professors is discussed. In the analysis of Korean higher education reforms and changes, the theories of neoliberalism, globalization, and Foucault's theory of power are employed. Foucault's theory makes it possible to understand these reforms as a new location of power relations in which the government and private higher education institutions maneuver to enhance their positions. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone [phone]. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]