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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, discusses his book, focusing on Britain's shift to mass education post-World War II. He explores how public demand for accessible education dramatically shaped policy, the tension between meritocracy and democracy, and the impact of grassroots movements on educational reforms. Mandler highlights the myths surrounding social mobility through education, urging caution about its power to address inequality while celebrating the push for quality education for all.
40:25
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Quick takeaways
- The historical shift in Britain's education system illustrates how democratic ideals increasingly challenged the traditional meritocratic model post-World War II.
- Despite advancements in access to education, systemic inequalities persist, necessitating broader social reforms beyond educational improvements to achieve true equity.
Deep dives
The Crisis of Meritocracy in Education
Meritocracy's historical context reveals a belief that only a select few can benefit from higher education, leading to a system that primarily provides basic education for the majority. This understanding of education has shifted since the Second World War, as democratic ideals began to challenge the notion that education should exclusively serve an elite. The post-war democratic movement advocated for high-quality education for all, arguing that every individual should have the opportunity to access the best educational resources without being sorted into categories based on test results. This tension between meritocracy and democracy fundamentally reshaped the education landscape in Britain, making it a central theme in contemporary discussions about educational equity.
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