Solving Problems or Salving Consciences? Anglo-American Perspectives on University/Community Relationships

Abstract

This article compares relationships between universities and their local communities in Britain and the USA, as seen by a British observer. It points to the institutional changes necessary to make community involvement a reality, central to the mission of the urban university. However, whereas a growing number of US institutions are taking these community relationships seriously, current external pressures are limiting the ability of their British counterparts to do the same. The American experience suggests, nevertheless, that British institutions have much to gain from a greater degree of commitment to their local communities.