A note on the limitations imposed on the autonomy university

Abstract

Contemporary relations between the public university,  the market and the state in the educational arena have significantly limited the degree of university autonomy; scholars have employed diverse conceptual approaches in studying these relations. This paper analyzes the Mexican case in order to highlight
the presence of the market in higher education, and in public universities in particular. I argue that the role of the state has been critical in promoting those changes, and in limiting the full exercise of university autonomy. The paper presents an exploratory and interpretative analysis, which highlights the macro structural forces at play, specifically at public universities.