This essay demonstrates how higher education can restore public trust and ignite democratic spirit, highlighting the role of citizen professionalism.
Key Points
Higher education can renew public trust by embracing a democratic spirit and fostering community ties, promoting civic engagement as a priority for institutions.
The essay highlights a shift from 'civic' to 'disciplinary' professional identities, driven by instrumental rationality, creating a crisis in modern professions.
Case studies across various settings reveal the potential of citizen professionalism as a means to enhance public action and democratic practices on campus.
Insights from the 2024 CUMU conference underscore enthusiasm for transforming higher education into a more democratic and community-oriented practice.