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

Episode guests

Peter Mandler

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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.

Intro

2min

The Evolution of Education in Post-War Britain

17min

The Push for Inclusive Education in Post-War Britain

2min

Shifts in British Education Post-WWII

9min

Examining the Impact of Education on Social Inequality

2min

Education and Inequality: Beyond the Classroom

6min

How did public demand shape education in the 20th century? In The Crisis of the Meritocracy: Britain’s Transition to Mass Education since the Second World War (Oxford UP, 2020), Peter Mandler, Professor of Modern Cultural History at the University of Cambridge, charts the history of schools, colleges, and universities. The book charts the tension between demands for democracy and the defence of meritocracy within both elite and public discourses, showing how this tension plays out in Britain’s complex and fragmented education system. Offering an alternative vision to the popular memory and perception of education, a note of caution about the power of education to cure social inequalities, and a celebration of public demand for high quality education for all, the book is essential reading across the humanities, social sciences, and for anyone interested in understanding education in contemporary society.

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