English higher education: widening participation and the historical context for system differentiation

MCCAIG, Colin (2018). English higher education: widening participation and the historical context for system differentiation. In: BOWL, Marion, MCCAIG, Colin and HUGHES, Jonathan, (eds.) Equality and differentiation in marketised higher education: a new level playing field? Palgrave Studies in Excellence and Equity in Global Education . London, Palgrave, 51-72. (In Press)

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Abstract

This chapter provides the context for understanding higher education marketisation, differentiation, equality and equity in England. It discusses the transition of widening participation (WP) work in institutional practice from the 1970s onwards to the beginnings of state involvement in WP following the Dearing Report and the election of a New Labour government in 1997. WP is used as a lens though which to explore the development and then intensification of market approaches within higher education, including the sharpening of institutional differentiation manifested in the distinction between those focusing on social mobility for (only) the brightest and those engaged in generic aspiration-raising outreach among all young people. It explores the tensions between these two developments and their competing claims made about increasing equity and diversity in the higher education population.

Item Type:	Book Section
Uncontrolled Keywords:	widening participation; fair access; English HE; differentiation
Research Institute, Centre or Group - Does NOT include content added after October 2018:	Sheffield Institute of Education
Page Range:	51-72
Depositing User:	Colin Mccaig
Date Deposited:	13 Feb 2018 15:25
Last Modified:	18 Mar 2021 02:02
URI:	https://shura.shu.ac.uk/id/eprint/18659

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