Hi Grainne,
I skimmed over this debate here of why the people in higher education and all levels for that matter, tend to be more liberal. This is the crux of it ,IMO.
re: <<So it should not be surprising that liberals gravitate to professions -- such as academics, journalism, social work and the arts -- that emphasize inquiry, objectivity and the free exchange of ideas. >>
Using the conventional definition of liberal and conservative as applied to current thought, I might take it further. The NEW, the DYNAMIC is the hallmark of liberalism, the definition of liberalism... While conservatism is the opposite. It is the status quo. The static.. To stand still.
So in my mind it is so easy to understand why academicians tend toward liberalism for they want to break new ground with new thought, with new ideas and not be grounded in the status quo.. For imagination and new thought are the PUREST form of intelligence. They are in uncharted waters with their minds, where a conservative dare not sail, until it is charted, until the cookbook is written, etc.. And then a conservative can take over, an engineering type, that can follow the cook book.
And this is also why certain liberal ideas fail, FOR THEY ARE NEW, Nothing always works in practice as it does in theory, but AT LEAST it was tried.. For to take two steps forward, we will slip one step back. But at least the Libs ARE moving ahead.. Trying something new, trying to STAY UP in an EVERCHANGING world, society, life environment, etc. .. You name it..
Also fortunately the libs are in higher education because they will open a few eyes about new thought and imagination before they, the students are passed on to learn the "cookbook" of their profession..
I am not dissing either for we need both, the pathfinder and the path builder..
This is but a summary of my thoughts on this issue. So I assumed a lot and therefore did not go into detail..
c |
