Higher education and university in Latin America: thematic perspectives for debates and research

Abstract

Higher education and university are themes of wide interest around the world and gather efforts from multiple agents and disciplines. Based on the configurations of the field of higher education and the debates of the Unesco Chair Universidad e Integración Regional, this article analyzes emerging themes in Latin America, with an emphasis on the national realities of Argentina, Mexico and Brazil. Through an essay approach, it discusses the most relevant themes for these countries and points out the challenges for political debate and academic research in the third decade of the millennium. The discussion is developed through a methodology that includes a literature review and the analysis of national cases. The literature review and studies indicate that higher education is an emerging field in the region, with important advances resulting from the interlocution of academic and political efforts. While the notion of higher education as a right gains strength in Argentina, Mexico seeks the universalization of higher education in the face of a context of inequality ; and, in Brazil, concerns with university autonomy coexist with barriers to expanding access to higher education. The reflections indicate a fertile field for research, political debate and public policies in higher education in Latin America.