Just interested in what other's impressions are. I had a vision of academia as progressive, churning out new ideas, unafraid of the political correctness of things in the pursuit of knowledge, and eager to push the envelope. Now I am not so sure. Well, in fact, I have a strong impression of an over-riding conservative-ism in academia, where new ideas are looked upon askance, and the absolute hierarchy of the academic institution in general ( not a single university, just the whole thing as an abstract system) frowns upon innovation, new ideas, etc, as really upsetting the ( what is the metaphor, well whatever) cart, the eggs?? any way, rocks the status quo, and academia really LIKES its hierarchical status quo. Its not iconoclastic friendly....

its important to adhere to the written and unwritten rules of academia, not the least of which is the rigid hierarchical pecking orders. Maybe I am just in a particularly conservative branch of academia ( law--not noted for being wild-eyed and progressive), but am wondering what other people think or have experienced.

Hi olivia,
I have found a bit of that in Irish studies but in drama theyre pretty proressive and they do get all excited about new things in the field.
Does that help any?