University, youth and social engagement: A historical-critical analysis about the third mission of higher education

Abstract

This article studies the evolution of the concept of social commitment on the part of university youth from the post-World War II debate to the present day. In particular, it analyses, from an international and intergenerational perspective, some of the main theoretical contributions that have marked the definition of the social mission of higher education. It does so by taking as a starting point of the study the moment in which the two phenomena of universalization and internationalization of the University started to consolidate, both from a historical and political point of view. Thus, through a historical-critical analysis of the different definitions and reflections on the social commitment of university students, the article questions the current paradigm of the third university mission. A paradigm that is increasingly conceived as an overall commitment toward the achievement of a more sustainable University.