Fall 2008 - The Johns Hopkins University Press

On Higher EducationSelected Writings, 1956–2006Burton R. Clarkforeword by Patricia J. GumportWidely acknowledged as one ofthe great sociologists of highereducation, Burton R. Clarkhas made substantial contributionsto virtually every area inthe field, thereby defining itsstudy for generations. This collectionof essays makes availablea lifetime of research, scholarship,and insight from a giantin higher education and revealshow his perspectives, concepts,and research methods evolvedover half a century.The volume presents Clark’s early research studies underpinninghis theories of the “cooling-out” function andorganizational saga. It includes his landmark 1973 essay “Developmentof the Sociology of Higher Education” and otherwork that reflects his line of inquiry into the American nationalsystem. Essays also follow Clark’s shift from organizationalstudies of American higher education to internationalcomparative analysis of national systems of higher education.The book concludes with his most recent research onthe important question of how modern universities evolveby developing the infrastructure and tools to bring aboutmeaningful change.At once a monumental achievement and a testament to anextraordinary career, On Higher Education is an invaluableresource for students, scholars, and practitioners of highereducation.“The collection is simply astonishing and thrilling . . . To have this largeselection of essays in one place is a gift to those of us working in thefield . . . The collection will soon be referred to as ‘classic.’”—Sheldon Rothblatt, University of California, BerkeleyHigher Learning,Greater GoodThe Private and Social Benefits of Higher EducationWalter W. McMahona college education has long been acknowledged as essentialfor both personal success and economic growth. Butthe measurable value of its nonmonetary benefits have untilnow been poorly understood. Walter W. McMahon, aleading education economist, suggests that higher educationaccrues significant social and private benefits.McMahon argues that there is a major skill deficit in theUnited States and other OECD countries because of technicalchange and globalization. Yet with a college degreecomes better job opportunities, higher earnings, and evenimproved health. Higher education also promotes democracyand sustainable growth and contributes to reducedcrime and lower state welfare and prison costs. These socialbenefits are substantial in relation to the costs of a collegeeducation.McMahon offers a human capital perspective on this andother higher education policy issues. He suggests that poorinformation about the value of nonmarket benefits leadsto private underinvestment. He offers policy options enablingstate and federal governments to increase investmentin higher education.Adequately reforming higher education policy, McMahonargues, is also critical for reducing inequality and encouraginggrowth, both important in the present era of globalization.Walter W. McmAHON is professor of economics emeritus andprofessor of education emeritus at the University of Illinoisat Urbana-Champaign. He is well known internationally asa leading economist of education and is the author of Educationand Development: Measuring the Social Benefits.Burton R. ClARK is professor emeritus of higher educationat the University of California, Los Angeles. He is the author,coauthor, editor, or coeditor of numerous books andjournal articles.November 400 pages 6 x 9 1 line drawing978-0-8018-9020-8 0-8018-9020-9 $50.00(s) / £27.00 hc978-0-8018-9021-5 0-8018-9021-7 $25.00(s) / £14.00 pbHigher EducationJanuary 384 pages 6 x 9 18 line drawings978-0-8018-9053-6 0-8018-9053-5 $45.00(s) / £24.00 hcHigher EducationTHE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY PRESS www.press.jhu.edu 32