Colleges are currently facing challenges, with education reaching high levels while adjuncts, a significant teaching group, are receiving inadequate pay. Amid this turmoil, undergraduate students are forming groups to advocate for better compensation. However, this may not address the broader issues impacting the higher education system. Some individuals recognize that these challenges mirror society’s struggles with technology, particularly the rapid growth of AI. How do the issues in universities serve as a warning for the potential risks and choices in the future of AI?
Initially, it is essential to acknowledge the situation in universities. Knowledge, often cultivated in academic institutions, serves as the cornerstone for progress in various fields including technology and business. Nevertheless, transformations have taken place, negatively affecting faculty and society. Universities in the United States have shifted from public entities dedicated to fostering knowledge to imitating private businesses competing for students while reducing educational costs. The significant increase in adjunct faculty, who teach similar courses but are not compensated or expected to engage in extensive research, is a concerning development.
These “gig workers” are attractive to universities due to their lower cost compared to permanent faculty members. They often teach more classes at reduced rates. While this cost-effective approach may seem beneficial initially, it places a heavy burden on adjuncts who teach numerous classes without sufficient time for essential research required for tenure track positions. Additionally, adjuncts are frequently marginalized, lacking influence in decision-making processes and facing uncertainty regarding contract renewals each semester.
Consequently, it is understandable that adjuncts are uniting to demand the respect they deserve. However, universities feel constrained as costs surge due to increased student amenities, administrative overhead, and declining public funding. This devaluation of adjuncts, universities, and society collectively undermines the production of knowledge crucial for future prosperity. Despite the temporary efficacy of the “gig” model, it is imperative to recognize the long-term implications on knowledge production, progress, and shared prosperity.
The disparities observed in universities also reflect broader societal issues. The emergence of a two-tier system with underpaid “gig” workers and well-compensated decision-makers parallels the income inequality prevalent in the United States. These disparities, coupled with the influence of social media and technological advancements, contribute to social unrest and economic disparities. The concentration of wealth among a select few exacerbates these divisions, mirroring the inequities witnessed in academia and society at large.
As we navigate the impact of AI on society, it is crucial to heed the lessons from universities and technological history. Decisions must be made regarding the equitable distribution of progress to benefit the collective rather than a privileged few. By leveraging AI to empower individuals to excel in their work, akin to the more equitable model in European universities, we can mitigate the adverse effects of technological advancements. Just as universities can adopt fairer practices to enable students and faculty to thrive, economic systems can be designed to promote equality and inclusivity.
While some may argue for laissez-faire market principles, it is essential to recognize that all systems operate within established parameters influenced by societal norms and regulations. By fostering an environment where everyone can excel, similar to Adam Smith’s upbringing that enabled his intellectual pursuits, we can unlock significant improvements in performance, prosperity, and societal progress. Embracing a strategy that nurtures individual potential can lead to enhanced outcomes for all stakeholders.
