Supercomplexity in Higher Education Kinesiology

Overview & Synopsis

This article employs Barnett's (2004) specifications of the aspects that describe the times of "supercomplexity." This term characterizes the challenges universities are facing regarding the expanding and competing forces that are affecting higher education, particularly in the West. Outside forces related to globalization, digital technologies, competition, marketization, systematic quality controls, the interpenetration of society into higher education, and equal opportunities for access and participation are changing higher education kinesiology, as we know it. These forces are challenging the ways we think about the academy, intellectual integrity, production of knowledge, delivery systems, and relationships with students, the wider society and others in academe. The authors include a discussion of the aspects of supercomplexity and the impact these aspects have on higher education, in general, and kinesiology departments and scholars, in particular. Literature in kinesiology and higher education cultural criticism is used to identify risks and offer solutions. (Contains 3 notes.)