Universities and social progress in modernising societies: how educational expansion has replaced socialism as an instrument of political reform

Abstract

University and higher education comprising a multi‐disciplinary training in abstract, systematic reasoning has a vital role in modernizsing societies. Such an education seems to have broadly favourable results both in terms both of the individual and of society; these include benefits to economics, social mobility, happiness and social welfare. In this sense, educational expansion has replaced socialism as the major instrument of political reform. Furthermore, the effects of more education are largely additive, therefore 'positive sum', cognitive benefits. We advocate the continued expansion of university and higher education; while reforming university funding mechanisms and increasing both competition between, and autonomy of, educational institutions.