Reforma sektora publicznego w krajach nordyckich a powrót do elitarności szkół wyższych
A Return to Elitism in Higher Education as Seen in the Context of Public Sector Reform in Nordic Countries

Summary/Abstract: This article aims at analyzing some elements of the social systems in Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, which influence Higher Education policy in these countries. The argument is linked to the discussion about the culture of new capitalism that can be observed in the public sector reforms in general and in Higher Education policies in particular. The discourse of elitism in Higher Education is addressed in this context as it has also left its impression on the Nordic countries. The analysis of the discourse is placed within a broader framework of social change, within which the traditional social contract is being renegotiated. The traditional collectivist mindset of the welfare state policy logic of the past gives way to greater individualism and acceptance of elitism as the Nordic societies become more and more post-industrial. Although Higher Education in the Nordic countries is still mainly publicly funded and managed, an increasing emulation of the public sector and market-like behaviour can be witnessed. Therefore the analysis includes a theoretical discussion of the new contractual relationship of the whole public sector, which enables the capture of the changing nature of the social relations in post-industrial societies

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