Managerialism and academic resistance in Chilean higher education: a translation perspective

This paper explores the role of academic resistance among social science and humanities academics in Chilean universities in response to the increasing managerial governance of higher education. Managerialism, characterized by the adoption of business-oriented practices and performance metrics, has reshaped universities worldwide, fostering tensions with traditional collegial values that prioritize intellectual freedom and academic independence. While much of the literature on managerialism focuses on universities in developed countries, this study addresses a gap by examining the distinct context of Chile, where neoliberal reforms have shaped a market-driven yet highly regulated higher education landscape. Drawing on qualitative research, the paper analyzes how Chilean academics in the social sciences and humanities resist managerial practices, framing this resistance as an active form of translation rather than mere opposition. The findings highlight the implications of these practices for academic identity, autonomy, and the pursuit of knowledge, offering broader insights into the global diffusion of managerialism in higher education.