コロナ禍における「アメリカモデル」の構造的問題

抄録

This paper reports on the presentations made at the "34th Japan Association of American Educational Studies - Public Symposium" held on October 29, 2022. The purpose of the study is to consider the situation of higher education in the United States during the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic from both historical and sociological contexts. Based on data and cases made available up until August 2022, an analysis was attempted of the U.S. higher education system, focusing on institutions by type. The attempt was to seek to overview the characteristics of the "American model" that emerged anew during the pandemic.

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, while some universities face closure, those with stable financial foundations stand a chance not only to maintain their positions but possibly to flourish further. Observing the U.S. higher education system during this unprecedented pandemic and societal division, it's evident that many universities are embracing the "new normal". Even the surviving institutions are proactively undergoing transformations, evident in measures such as discontinuing low-demand academic programs, faculty restructuring, and shifts towards digitalization.

As of August 2022, while the "American model" confronts challenging times, it has not "disrupted". Historically, the pre-COVID-19 "American model", having surmounted numerous challenges, has long stood as the highest standard in the world. Thus, it can be interpreted that it's currently transitioning into an even more resilient model. Particularly, the leading U.S. universities appear to be fortifying their financial foundations, sticking to or even expanding a "high-cost, high-quality" model that attracts global talent.

On the flip side, it's worth noting that the pandemic has amplified various "inequalities" worldwide, and the U.S. is no exception. The "American model," characterized by its diversity, has historically continued to offer new opportunities and hope to non-traditional student demographics, driving societal innovation. Amid varied societal transformations, universities have evolved from their roles as "ivory towers" to models that absorb mainstream demands. However, there are contemporary reports suggesting a growing trend in the U.S. that perceives universities as institutions reproducing disparities, accompanied by increasing apathy towards intellectual pursuits.

As the world moves towards the post-COVID era, anticipated paradigm shifts span geopolitical fluctuations, technological advancements leading to digital transitions, and pressing environmental issues. Amidst such circumstances, the U.S. is grappling with unparalleled societal divisions. Given that the "American model" can be seen as the icon of a prosperous university system, it's crucial to focus on how it will function in the post-pandemic future.