The Master's trap, part three

How can we stop post-grad program exploitation? The last Culture Study explored how some Master’s programs are scamming students out of vast amounts of money whilst others are useful for training and skills. This final instalment examines “predatory inclusion,” that “reproduces inequality and insecurity for some while allowing already dominant social actors to derive significant profits” and argues for better conversations with undergrads are key to improving a damaging system. “So what do we do about all of this? Some argue that students are adults, and adults should be allowed to make decisions about their future — and then deal with the ramifications of those decisions. But prospective students can be adults and also be vulnerable to grad school appeals, and we can be a lot better about unpacking those vulnerabilities before they’re exploited.”