Public Universities and Democracy: the Contribution of University Outreach in Latin America

Public university and democracy: the contribution of university extension in Latin America

Abstract

The essay presents the role of public universities as agents for strengthening democracy through outreach. From the perspective that democracy is a civilizational advance at risk, it argues that universities contribute to overcoming inequalities by democratizing knowledge. Outreach or community engagement is presented as the university function that articulates academic knowledge with the needs of society, promoting participation and self-knowledge among subordinate groups. This is based on the understanding of the institution of higher education as an authoritative spokesperson and part of the state. Therefore, it has the capacity to participate in consensus building and plays a key role in the dispute over meanings. Finally, the essay emphasizes the need for outreach practices that integrate teaching, research, and community engagement, promoting democratic values both within and outside institutions. It concludes by underscoring that the democratization of knowledge is an essential common good for human development and social transformation in Latin America, particularly in the context of the rise of anti-scientific and denialist discourses in the continent’s history.