Time to look at the stars? Reflections on bias and prejudice in hospitality management education

Abstract

This article reflects on a keynote presentation made at the 32nd Council for Hospitality Management Education Research Conference hosted at NHL Stenden University of Applied Science in Leeuwarden, The Netherlands. The field of study prepares managers who will organise the delivery of food and/or drink and/or accommodation in a service setting. The core concern of the article is to critique biases of higher education provision. The vocational nature of programmes tends to prioritise job readiness at the expense of some theoretical dimensions of the study of hospitality. These biases are compounded by a tendency to limit the industrial context to luxury hotels and restaurants. Students’ career perceptions are thereby constrained and limited. The study of hospitality should adopt a critical studies approach; several recent publications might indicate avenues for further research and programme content.