The We Society
S7 Ep6: Improving social mobility through education and language with Lee Elliot Major
Feb 19, 2025
Lee Elliot Major, Britain's first professor of Social Mobility at the University of Exeter, discusses crucial ideas from his book, Equity in Education. He emphasizes a shift in perspective, arguing that children should be seen as under-resourced rather than disadvantaged. The conversation highlights the alarming decline in social mobility since 1980 and critiques existing education systems. Major calls for transformative educational reforms, embracing diverse talents, and addresses global challenges in achieving equity, ultimately advocating for a dialogue change to tackle socioeconomic disparities.
31:06
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Quick takeaways
- The decline in social mobility in Britain highlights systemic issues that hinder opportunities for individuals from under-resourced backgrounds, necessitating urgent reform in education and employment practices.
- Shifting the language around disadvantaged students to emphasize their under-resourcing encourages a strengths-based perspective, promoting inclusivity and recognizing the capabilities of all learners.
Deep dives
The State of Social Mobility
Social mobility in Britain is currently in decline, with approximately 35% of the adult population worse off than their parents in terms of occupational class. This backward trend has created a sense of despondency among many, highlighting that more individuals are struggling to lead decent lives, with difficulties such as home ownership and financial stability becoming increasingly common. In contrast to the post-war years, where there was a notable upward trend in mobility, the shift around 1980 points to systemic issues that exacerbate social inequalities. The waste of talent due to these barriers affects society as a whole, necessitating urgent attention to reverse this negative trajectory.
