In the realm of academia, the life of a college professor is often romanticized as a pursuit of knowledge and enlightenment. However, the reality for many educators is far from this ideal. The Adjunct Underclass, authored by Herb Childress, delves deep into the struggles faced by adjunct faculty within the American higher education system, exposing the harsh truths of their daily lives and the systemic issues that have led to this precarious situation.

As the bell rings and class concludes, students hurriedly gather their belongings and head back to their dormitories. Meanwhile, the adjunct professor—a dedicated educator—finds herself in a different scenario. She rushes to her car for a brief moment of rest, quickly consuming a cheeseburger in her lap before embarking on a drive across town to teach another class at a separate institution. This exhausting routine, often characterized by long hours and scant pay, reflects the grim reality of adjunct faculty who, when factoring in preparation and grading time, often earn less than the minimum wage.

Over recent decades, the role of college professor has undergone a dramatic and troubling transformation. Historically, American colleges and universities were structured to foster student learning and promote knowledge through stable tenured positions. However, the rise of adjunct faculty has drastically shifted this paradigm. In 1975, merely thirty percent of faculty held temporary or part-time positions. Fast forward to 2011, and this figure surpassed fifty percent due to dwindling public funding and skyrocketing administrative costs. Current surveys even suggest that a staggering seventy percent of American professors are now employed on a course-by-course basis, lacking essential benefits, job security, and receiving alarmingly low compensation.

In The Adjunct Underclass, Childress draws on both his personal experiences and insights from fellow adjuncts to narrate the troubling evolution of higher education. He identifies various internal and external factors that have contributed to this disheartening trend, illustrating the adverse effects of this contingency model—not only on adjunct faculty but also on students, permanent faculty, and academic administration. This begs the question: How can we profess to value higher education when we treat educators akin to desperate day laborers?

Childress’s work is characterized by a measured yet impassioned tone. He grounds his assertions in factual evidence while ensuring that the narrative remains engaging and thought-provoking. The Adjunct Underclass serves as a poignant exploration of the conflicting values, inadequate resources, and competing objectives that have fundamentally altered our perceptions of what higher education should embody.

This book acts as a clarion call for all who recognize the importance of robust colleges in society. It urges readers to reconsider the treatment of educators and the implications it has for the educational landscape. As we confront the realities of the adjunct underclass, we are prompted to ask critical questions about the future of higher education and the value we assign to those who dedicate their lives to teaching.

In conclusion, The Adjunct Underclass is not just a book; it is a vital narrative that sheds light on the urgent need for reform within the educational system. It compels us to reflect on our values and the societal implications of how we treat those who are at the forefront of teaching and knowledge dissemination.