Humanities and the Working-Class Academic

Last week, I achieved a significant milestone in my academic career: the esteemed FHEA (Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy). This recognition is a testament to the dedication and relentless effort that Higher Education lecturers pour into their teaching. The workload is immense—designing modules, sourcing materials, creating accessible teaching and assessment methods, marking endlessly, and supporting students' pastoral needs. Yet, the joy of receiving my FHEA was overshadowed by the devastating news that Cardiff University plans to cut 400 academic jobs, decimating the humanities.

The future looks bleak for disciplines like ancient history and religious studies—subjects that were a lifeline to me as a young working-class woman uncertain about her future. My working-class background is a fundamental part of my identity, and without the humanities, I wouldn’t have had the opportunities that led me to a career I truly love.

Growing up, university felt like an unfamiliar, almost alien prospect. No one in my family had been before, and my incredibly supportive parents were as bewildered as I was by the overwhelming number of course options and university choices. In the end, I chose my degree not with a clear career path in mind but simply because it looked interesting. I had no idea where it would lead me.

Through the humanities, I found direction, and my research interests took shape. Unlike those with family connections in certain industries, I had no route paved by nepotism; the old adage "it’s who you know, not what you know" was a constant source of anxiety. But I was fortunate to have an incredible lecturer who mentored me, encouraged me to pursue an MA and later a PhD, and opened my eyes to the possibilities. From presenting at international conferences to publishing my work and securing a book deal, the humanities gave me a springboard to forge my own path.

It is deeply frustrating that the value of the humanities is so often overlooked. University is not just about producing job-ready graduates; it’s about shaping individuals, fostering curiosity, and broadening perspectives. For those who don’t naturally lean towards STEM, the humanities provide a vital alternative—a gateway to careers that require creativity, analytical thinking, and strong communication skills.

Humanities students approach problems differently than their STEM counterparts, and when disciplines collaborate, the results can be groundbreaking—whether it's tackling misogyny in the metaverse or improving patient-doctor relations in hospitals (Cheema 2022). The humanities don’t just preserve culture and history; they drive innovation in unexpected ways.

It's time to end the false dichotomy between STEM and the humanities. Both are essential, and both contribute immeasurably to society. The erosion of the humanities doesn’t just impact academia—it threatens the very opportunities that empower individuals like me to carve out a future they never thought possible.

Reference

Cheema, Z. (2022) 'Integrating STEM & Humanities in Higher Ed' Education. New Frontiers. Available: https://education-new-frontiers.com/2022/01/26/integrating-stem-humanities-in-higher-ed/. Accessed: 03/02/2025