(De)Fetishization of Academic Productivity: Challenges for the Worker-Researcher

Abstract

Worker-researchers complain that they have to do more than they want or can. They criticize, but stick with it. Analyses of academic productivity hold international and Brazilian organisms (such as CAPES) and the current system responsible; and not without reason. But the results are scant changes and resignation. In this work we examine how, starting in the 19th century, the complex ‘social engineering’ that commands the world with its overlapping of long-lasting historical processes was structured. The rise of human and social sciences and the commitments they sealed with governments and business men early on is emphasized. The election of Education, Science and Technology as central to promoting economic and social progress reduced the University, predominantly to the role of executor (thinking itself to be autonomous, it is a hostage). While it is capital that needs the knowledge generated by the worker-researchers to reproduce itself, the latter experience the intensification and alienation of their work; such dependence points to the challenge of exercising their power.