Political harmony rules in Italian universities

A letter from Aldo Cundari, Melbourne

Dear Editor,

I refer to the article Clan mentality rules in Italian Universities by Domenico Pacitti [an interview with Indro Montanelli, which originally appeared in The Times Higher Education Supplement (London) on January 9 1998 and was recently republished by JUST Response].

Pacitti's criticism of Italian universities, based mainly on the vintage views of Indro Montanelli, cites historical generalities and fails to examine at least one fundamental aspect of the Italian University system. This is the perceived role of the University within the structure of Italian society.

Academic positions bestow a high status in social ranking and open avenues to credibility and distinction. Professional skills and excellence are desirable additions to academic status, but are often measured in terms of provincial yardsticks designed to preserve the status quo in Faculties, Schools and Departments.

International peer refereeing is generally avoided and/or ignored because it would fail to acknowledge the political equilibria of the local establishments. Therefore, excellence in teaching and research are generally subordinate to maintaining internal political harmony. This is reflected in the prevailing policy of internal promotions and reluctance to introduce new blood into the system. 'Universitas' is subverted to 'particularitas' and ceases to function as a laboratory of new ideas and developments to inspire and train students. 

Most Italian Colleagues are perfectly aware of these conditions and seem to accept them as part of the dominant Italian culture. Pacitti must know that University governance may not be changed by international decree nor by means of disseminating criticism of the Italian University in English. Pacitti's action would be better directed to potential students, preferably in Italian.

Note: This letter was published by JUST Response on August 27 2002.

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