Savanna Hoffman
Student activism has been a topic of debate for many years. While some argue that it is an important part of education, allowing students to explore and stand up for their beliefs, others believe that it can be taken too far, turning into preening would-be totalitarianism. This latter view is often held in response to instances where students have tried to get professors fired because they disagree with their views. This perspective highlights the distinction between accepting instruction and giving it, which is the basis of the student-university contract.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Student activism | Poorly thought out and unimportant |
| Indulgent parenting | |
| Little Hitlers | |
| Unbridled and performative | |
| Preening would-be totalitarianism | |
| Shameless dereliction of duty among faculty and administrators | |
| Students rely on parental ability to pay | |
| Students should accept instruction, rather than give it |
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What You'll Learn
Student activism is often poorly thought out and unimportant
Student activism is often dismissed as being poorly thought out and unimportant. This view holds that students, particularly younger ones, tend to take moral differences to extremes, lacking the perspective and experience to navigate complex belief systems. Their activism is seen as self-indulgent and a product of privilege, with students from wealthy backgrounds having the time and resources to protest, while their less affluent peers are busy working to fund their education.
The contract between student and university is argued to be one in which the student promises to accept instruction, not give it. Students are seen as consumers of education, having petitioned the institution for entry, and the university has a duty to educate them. Faculty members are blamed for failing to provide appropriate guidance and allowing students to dictate terms, such as when students try to get professors fired for holding different views.
However, this perspective fails to acknowledge the value of student activism in education. Student activism can provide an important opportunity for students to explore and develop their beliefs and values. While it may sometimes be poorly executed or overly idealistic, it is often a sincere attempt by students to engage with and improve the world around them.
Moreover, the notion that students are solely consumers of education ignores the fact that universities benefit from the diverse perspectives and experiences that students bring. Student activism can play a crucial role in holding institutions accountable and driving positive change. While it is important for faculty to provide mentorship and context, student activism should not be dismissed as inherently unimportant or misguided.
In conclusion, while student activism may sometimes be criticised as poorly thought out and insignificant, it represents a valuable aspect of the educational experience and a means for students to actively engage with their beliefs and the world.
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Students rely on parental ability to pay
The idea that students should not run the university is a response to the notion of "unbridled and performative student activism", which has been described as a "disease of affluence". This view suggests that students from wealthier backgrounds, who rely on their parents' ability to pay tuition fees, have more time and economic flexibility to engage in protest and activism.
In highly selective universities, the majority of students are those whose parents can afford the fees. These students, often referred to as the "savants" or "geniuses", allow the universities to maintain their reputation for cultivating intellectual talent. However, it is argued that these students' activism can be poorly thought out and self-serving. For instance, attempts to get professors fired because of disagreements over views and opinions are seen as "preening would-be totalitarianism" rather than legitimate activism.
The contract between the student and the university is important in this context. Students have petitioned the institution for entry, and the contract obligates professors to educate them. The students, in turn, are obligated to accept instruction, not give it. While student activism can be a valuable part of the educational experience, it is the duty of faculty and administrators to guide students away from extreme positions and towards skills and values that foster tolerance and open inquiry.
Indulgent parenting may also play a role in fostering an environment where students feel entitled to dictate the terms of their education. In an era where significant sums of money are spent on university entry, parents may be reluctant to insist on "tough love" when their children complain about grades or skip classes to protest.
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Indulgent parenting plays a role in student behaviour
Indulgent parenting, also known as permissive parenting, is a parenting style characterised by high parental responsiveness and low parental demandingness. This style of parenting involves making few demands on children, with a low expectation for self-control, maturity and discipline. Indulgent parents are usually very nurturing and loving towards their children, emphasising affection and warmth.
Indulgent parenting may play a crucial role in student behaviour, particularly in the context of student activism. At highly selective universities, students tend to rely on their parents' ability to pay, and those who genuinely need financial aid are a slim minority. In such cases, it is easy to imagine that parents who have paid large sums for their child's education may not insist on tough love when their children complain about their grades or professors.
Research on indulgent parenting and its effects on adolescents' psychological development has yielded mixed results. While some studies suggest that indulgent parenting can be harmful to the development of psychological needs satisfaction and cognitive abilities, others have found that it may produce optimum outcomes in terms of self-esteem and social well-being. It is important to note that cultural factors can also influence the impact of parenting styles, and while authoritative parenting is often considered the best approach in Western cultures, other styles like permissive parenting may be just as effective in other cultural contexts.
The internal dialogues and reflections of parents play a significant role in indulgent parenting behaviours. Parents grapple with their beliefs, perceptions, and emotions, aiming to make effective choices that induce positive outcomes for their children. However, the lack of structure and rules associated with indulgent parenting can lead to negative habits and a lack of self-discipline in children.
To address the potential negative impacts of indulgent parenting, educators can play a role by providing research-based knowledge and interventions. By using role-play, case studies, and critical thinking strategies, educators can help parents develop skills such as decision-making and communication, ultimately supporting positive child outcomes.
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Student activism can be an important part of education
However, the article in question here appears to refer to a specific brand of activism that is more concerned with virtue signalling and moral purity than with genuine social change. The article cites examples of students attempting to get professors fired because they disagree with their views, which is not activism but rather an attempt to silence dissenting voices.
It is important to remember that the role of students is to learn and engage with new ideas, even those that may be uncomfortable or contradictory to their own beliefs. This is how we grow and develop as individuals and as a society. Universities should be places of free inquiry and academic exploration, where all members of the community feel safe and respected, regardless of their views.
While student activism can play a role in this process, it should be directed towards constructive ends, such as raising awareness, promoting dialogue, and advocating for change through established channels. Students should be encouraged to express their views and engage in respectful debate, but universities must also maintain their integrity as institutions of higher learning, where a diversity of viewpoints can be expressed and examined.
In conclusion, student activism can and should play an important role in education, but it must be balanced with a respect for the educational process and the rights of others to ensure that universities remain places of open inquiry and intellectual growth.
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Faculty and administrators are derelict in their duty
Student activism can be an important part of education, but it is the duty of faculty and administrators to guide students in their exploration of belief systems. There is a crucial role for faculty members to play as interlocutors and mentors, helping students to develop skills and values that foster tolerance and moderation.
However, there is a perceived dereliction of duty among faculty and administrators, which has allowed student activism to become "preening would-be totalitarianism". This is particularly evident in attempts to get professors fired because of disagreements with their views. While students should be encouraged to engage with and critique the ideas presented by their professors, it is not their place to dictate the content of lectures or the hiring decisions of the university.
This dereliction of duty is not solely the responsibility of faculty and administrators. Indulgent parenting may also be a contributing factor. When parents pay large sums for their children's education, they are unlikely to insist on "tough love" when their children complain about their grades or skip classes to protest.
Furthermore, at highly selective universities, students tend to come from privileged backgrounds and have less economic flexibility to engage in protest. This can result in a minority of "needy" students who qualify for grant-type aid being drowned out by the voices of their more affluent peers.
To address this issue, it is important to recognise the contract between the student and the university. The student promises to accept instruction, rather than to give it. While universities should encourage the free exchange of ideas and the examination of moral beliefs, it is the role of faculty and administrators to ensure that this exchange occurs within a structured and moderated environment.
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Frequently asked questions
It means that students should not be allowed to dictate the functioning of a university.
Students enter into a contract with the university where they promise to accept instruction, not give it.
Student activism can often be unimportant and poorly thought out. It can also be a result of indulgent parenting and economic flexibility.
Yes, student activism can be an important part of education. However, faculty and administrators should guide students to acquire the skills and values that imbue tolerance.
Students trying to get professors fired because they disagree with their views.
