World Society Theory and the Development of Irish Higher Education (1960-2010)

摘要: This thesis examines the major changes which have occurred in Irish higher education over last five decades using World Society theory as an analytical framework. In doing so, it provides alternative perspective to realist economic or critical discourses currently dominate literature on this sector. The premise is that transformation has taken place sector - its rapid expansion and diversification, increased centrality a knowledge based economy deep governance arrangements at state organisational level are better understood context of similar advances throughout world same time period. society posits these global changes, diffusion particular policies forms, consequence emerging structures increasingly rationalised culture impacts all nation-states social domains such education. International organisations key element play pivotal role creation models delineate actors, purpose structure within (Boli & Thomas, 1997). The assesses degree been shaped by broader interactions between actors two agencies involved forming education, namely European Union OECD. study extends period allows for analysis co-evolution promoted structural taking impact change examined multiple levels state, system individual institute so assess broad cultural effects suggested theory. The finds strong increasing convergence policies, belief systems informing them. It also identifies some persistent differences around practices. From theoretical perspective, findings appear support theory’s assumption being forces. contribute discussion concerning societal heterogeneity (Hasse Krucken, 2008) need span boundaries, exist sociological institutionalism, macro-perspective meso-perspective inter-organisational field theory.