Over the past seven decades, American universities have emerged as the global gold standard for excellence in research and graduate education. This transformation coincided with an unprecedented surge of federal research support that followed World War II. During this period, American academic institutions attracted some of the best educators from around the world. This phenomenon significantly enhanced what is known as the ‘faculty factor,’ influencing the academic realm across the globe.

However, in the last twenty years, escalating costs and increasing demands for efficiency have led to a significant reshaping of the academic workforce. This transformation is characterized by a dramatic rise in the number of contingent faculty members, which has raised important questions about the future of academic careers.

This pivotal book, extending the classic work by Jack H. Schuster and Martin J. Finkelstein titled The American Faculty: The Restructuring of Academic Work and Careers, documents the profound evolution of the American faculty. Historically, American faculty have been the leading source of Nobel laureates and innovation worldwide. Today, this professional workforce has become increasingly diversified and stratified.

Utilizing previously unpublished data, The Faculty Factor provides a comprehensive portrayal of the changing nature of academic work. It offers insights into what it means to be a college or university faculty member in the second decade of the twenty-first century. This book stands out as a rare higher education study that incorporates multinational perspectives. It compares the status and prospects of American faculty with those of educators in major developing economies in Europe and East Asia.

Furthermore, The Faculty Factor delves into the redistribution of academic work and examines the increasingly diverse pathways for entering, navigating, and exiting academic careers. It highlights how these pathways have evolved in response to various pressures and changes in the educational landscape.

By employing the tools of sociology, anthropology, and demography, the authors chart the impact of technological advancements, mass globalization, and the severe financial constraints faced by institutions in the last decade. These factors have significantly influenced the lives and careers of those who teach in higher education.

In conclusion, The Faculty Factor serves as an essential resource for understanding the complexities of academic careers today. It not only documents the transformation within American higher education but also provides invaluable insights into the broader implications of these changes on a global scale. As we navigate through an era marked by rapid change and challenge, this book is a crucial tool for educators, administrators, and policymakers alike.