The Social Mobility Podcast Lee Elliot Major OBE: “Imagine if we tapped into the talent of all people in this country, all people in the world.”
Feb 20, 2024
Lee Elliot Major OBE, the UK's first Professor of Social Mobility, shares his journey from a working-class background to academia. He discusses the importance of education and business in social mobility, advocating for social economic background as a protected characteristic under the Equalities Act.
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Lee's Working-Class Journey
- Lee Elliot Major grew up in a rough, working-class area in West London and was first in his family to attend university.
- He initially felt ashamed of his background but later embraced his story and uses it to connect with others and inspire change.
Rethinking Social Mobility Success
- Social mobility must value diverse successful lives, not just the elite or brightest poor students.
- Many socially mobile people feel disconnected from their roots and struggle to fit into new environments.
Language Matters in Education
- Avoid labeling students as "disadvantaged" to prevent unconscious biases.
- Use terms like "children from under-resourced backgrounds" to reduce deficit mindsets among teachers.