Environmental Progressivism: A Framework for a Sustainable Higher Education

Abstract

The underlying ideologies which support higher education have received only limited attention in relation to our desired goals of social and ecological sustainability. This paper examines the current ideologies which drive higher education, and proposes a different ideological framework which can be used to support a sustainable higher education. Firstly, a criticism of the current convergence of utilitarian and neo-liberal ideologies is presented from the perspective of sustainability. Secondly, building upon the educational theory of John Dewey, an alternative perspective termed “environmental progressivism” is outlined as a possible ideological framework for a sustainable higher education. The paper concludes with some preliminary remarks as to the practical implications of environmental progressivism.

Exploring private university attractiveness from students’ perspective to ensure sustainable institutes: an empirical investigation from Indian perspective

“…Further, the present study aims to dwell on the aspects of desired goals of HEIs like admission and good brand value to support the concept of sustainable higher education. The concept of sustainable HEIs was based on the educational theory of John Dewey's "environmental progressivism" (Thomas, 1999). Thus, the academic environment which HEIs can facilitate can thus lead to the choice of students in terms of admissions in pursuit of academic quality inputs and good job prospects.…”