This College Professor Has a Master's...And Is Living in Poverty

[Shemp Howard]

30. You make a point, however...

Some adjunct professors prefer the adjunct situation. They have jobs elsewhere, or are semi-retired.

But there is, in general, an "exploitation of adjuncts". Many colleges are now choosing to hire, say, two adjuncts instead of one full-timer. And the reason is obvious. The full-timer would have to be paid more, and would receive benefits. The adjunct get next to nothing.

I find it sad that so many colleges are doing this. The elites at those places (rightly) criticize private companies for exploiting workers, yet they do it themselves.

Now, if colleges got their minds right on this, would it help the woman in this article? Probably not. As you noted, she has no PhD. But some other adjunct would have a chance at a full-time job and a living wage.