Public higher education reforms in Mexico: Continuities and ruptures

Abstract

In Mexico, the State embarked on major changes within its higher education system in order to meet the challenges of massification. To a large extent, the reforms were driven in a top-down vision inspired by the model of New Public Management. The reforms implemented sought to empower and strengthen the autonomy of public universities in order to absorb growing demand for university spots, strengthen the main university functions and reduce financial pressures. However, the partial and distorted use of the new policies instead created tensions that have stymied the modernization process.