Abstract:
This paper is derived from the perception that Brazilian public universities have been going through significant changes over the last few decades. Some authors argue that the university are abandoning the model of social institutions and gradually becoming operational organizations. Seeking to contribute to the debate about these changes, and particularly on the mercantilization of higher education, the paper draws from a historically situated bibliographical review to present some ideas about this process. Lastly, it discusses some of the actions that could be undertaken so as to allow the university to effectively embrace its role as an institution capable of transforming society.
Key words:
University; Neoliberalism; Social pertinence; Social change