Why have attempts to promote equality of opportunity in schools in the UK and/or other countries failed?

Kurtz, Rachel (2016) Why have attempts to promote equality of opportunity in schools in the UK and/or other countries failed? The STeP Journal (Student Teacher Perspectives), 3 (1). pp. 4-10.

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Abstract

This paper opens with David Cameron’s words on equality of opportunity. His assertion that we need to reach out to disadvantaged pupils is questioned through an examination of social mobility and homelessness in the UK. Analysis suggests that equality of opportunity is a societal, rather than educational issue. Using a metaphor from a Frans Francken painting, this paper argues that ‘low achievers’ are suffocated by those above them in the social hierarchy: hope of ascent is unrealistic. This paper concludes that instead of raising aspirations, the government should re-examine the responsibility of the establishment in keeping people ‘in their place’.

Item Type:	Article
Journal / Publication Title:	The STeP Journal (Student Teacher Perspectives)
Publisher:	Teacher Education Advancement Network (TEAN), University of Cumbria
Departments:	Academic Departments > Institute of Education (IOE) > Initial Teacher Education (ITE)
Additional Information:	Winner of the Critical Writing Prize 2016 awarded by Critical Publishing. Rachel Kurtz is a student at Durham University.
Depositing User:	Anna Lupton
Date Deposited:	06 Apr 2017 15:06
Last Modified:	12 Jan 2024 16:01
URI:	https://insight.cumbria.ac.uk/id/eprint/2843

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