National research assessment frameworks, publication output targets and research practices: the compliance-habitus effect

Rowlands, J. and Gale, T. (2019) National research assessment frameworks, publication output targets and research practices: the compliance-habitus effect. Beijing International Review of Education, 1(1), pp. 138-161. (doi: 10.1163/25902547-00101011)

Abstract

In this paper we consider relationships between national research assessment and publication output targets within academic workload models, theorising their potential impact on research practices and the academic habitus. Thinking with Bourdieu’s theory of practice, we draw on examples from higher education systems within the United Kingdom and Australia to argue that what an agent has done in the past plays a potentially significant role in the reformation of their own habitus. In relation to academics complying with publication output targets, whatever form those targets may take, we posit that this has implications for what research is done, how, by whom and where, and also for how researchers are disposed, or not, towards what research is perceived to be possible or desirable.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Gale, Professor Trevor
• Authors: Rowlands, J., and Gale, T.
• Subjects: H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General); H Social Sciences > HM Sociology; L Education > L Education (General); L Education > LB Theory and practice of education > LB2300 Higher Education
• College/School: College of Social Sciences > School of Education
• Journal Name: Beijing International Review of Education
• Publisher: Brill
• ISSN: 2590-2547
• ISSN (Online): 2590-2539
• Published Online: 22 March 2019
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2019 Koninklijke Brill
• First Published: First published in Beijing International Review of Education 1(1):138-161
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher