The Worldwide Expansion of Higher Education, 1960-2000: A Comparative Statistical Analysis

Evan Schofer

At the start of the century, only a tiny fraction of individuals received education beyond the secondary level, even in the wealthiest nations of the world. By 2000, however, higher education has become commonplace and is growing rapidly in nearly every country. A variety of theories offer explanations: For instance, industrialization and economic development are thought to increase the demand for highly trained workers. Other scholars emphasize the growth of mass education, which generates "demand" for increased access to higher education. Drawing on neo-institutional theory within sociology, I discuss the post-World War II rise of international organizations concerned with education and development (e.g., UNESCO and the World Bank), which increasingly influence the educational policy of nations in the developing world. I argue that policy prescriptions and resources in the international sphere play a central role in the global expansion of higher education. Cross-national statistical analyses of the growth of universities and tertiary enrollments shed light on the factors driving this dramatic growth. Results support a variety of theories. Economic and demographic factors play a substantial role in driving the expansion of higher education. Also, the rise of international pro-educational policy discourse and resources provide a dramatic boost to higher education worldwide.

About Evan Schofer

Evan Schofer is an Assistant Professor of Sociology at the University of Minnesota. His research explores the growth of education and science from a cross-national perspective, and examines the consequences of educational expansion for politics, inequality, and economic growth within nations. His recent papers appearing in the American Sociological Review have addressed: the impact of tertiary science education on national economic development; the role of educated elites and scientists in the global environmental movement; and the factors that generate civic engagement. His ongoing projects include a study of the growth of universities in the world, and a research project examining the impacts of educational expansion on national economic inequality. Evan Schofer received his B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. in sociology from Stanford University.