Policy Spaces and Educational Development in the Islamic Maghreb Region: Higher Education in Tunisia
The Development of Higher Education in Africa: Prospects and Challenges
ISBN: 978-1-78190-698-9, eISBN: 978-1-78190-699-6
Publication date: 4 October 2013
Abstract
This research examines higher education developments within transitory democratic spaces, using Tunisia as a case study. A document analysis of higher education policies in Tunisia shows a shift from an internal process of Tunisification to a focus on prescriptive global educational agendas. In examining higher education reforms during the past three decades in Tunisia, we attempt to understand the role of higher education in aiding and abiding the “Arab democracy deficit” through policies imposed upon the system through strict state intervention. We describe how higher education structures came to be, how policies were created, and detail how the issues and challenges stemming from higher education helped spread sentiments for the Tunisian Jasmine Revolution. Finally, we examine a lack of convergence, which enabled students to galvanize to overthrow a government criticized for its corruption and policy failures.
Acknowledgements
Acknowledgments
This research was made possible through an Internal Fellowship to Conduct Research in Tunisia as part of the Loyola University Chicago Research Partnership Grant with three Tunisian universities, presented to Dr. Tavis Jules. Dr. Peter J. Schraeder of Loyola University Chicago, primary investigator on the Research Partnership Grant, awarded the fellowship with funding from the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Exchange and Economic Support of the U.S. State Department.
Citation
Fryer, L.G. and Jules, T.D. (2013), "Policy Spaces and Educational Development in the Islamic Maghreb Region: Higher Education in Tunisia", The Development of Higher Education in Africa: Prospects and Challenges (International Perspectives on Education and Society, Vol. 21), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 401-425. https://doi.org/10.1108/S1479-3679(2013)0000021017
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2013 Emerald Group Publishing Limited