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New Books in Sociology
Peter Mandler, "The Crisis of the Meritocracy: Britain's Transition to Mass Education Since the Second World War" (Oxford UP, 2020)
Jan 6, 2025
Peter Mandler, a Professor of Modern Cultural History at the University of Cambridge, dives into the transformation of Britain's education system since WWII. He discusses the shift from elitist meritocracy to a more democratic approach, highlighting the impact of the Butler Act and comprehensive schools. Mandler critiques the effectiveness of education in addressing social inequalities and argues that simply having education isn't enough to ensure social mobility. His insights shed light on the historical context and ongoing challenges within the British educational landscape.
40:25
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Quick takeaways
- The tension between meritocracy and democratic ideals reshaped Britain's education post-World War II, pushing for inclusive access to quality education for all.
- Public demand significantly influenced the evolution of comprehensive schooling, as grassroots movements sought equitable educational opportunities amidst social changes in the 1950s.
Deep dives
The Crisis of Meritocracy in Education
The concept of meritocracy is critically examined, highlighting its historical roots and implications for education. Traditionally, meritocracy suggests that only a select group of individuals is capable of benefitting from advanced education, leading to a system that provides minimal education to the majority while focusing on identifying and nurturing an elite minority. This paradigm dominated the educational landscape until the post-World War II era when democratic ideals began to challenge the notion that quality education should serve an elite. The shift towards democratic education aimed to provide robust educational opportunities for all citizens, contesting the previously accepted meritocratic model.
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