The academic workforce and working conditions have changed significantly over the last century. With social movements against gender and racial discrimination, and the push towards education for class mobility, universities have become places to challenge hierarchies and empower communities. However, contemporary societies are contending with the political forces of globalisation and neoliberalism, including free market ideology, standardisation, competition, and performativity. These neoliberal pressures affect academic work and who can succeed as an academic worker. This entry discusses some of the implications for universities.