by Jessie Abrahams (Author), Nicola Ingram (Author), Ann-Marie Bathmaker (Author)
This book explores higher education, social class and social mobility from the point of view of those most intimately involved: the undergraduate students. It is based on a project which followed a cohort of young undergraduate students at Bristol's two universities in the UK through from their first year of study for the following three years, when most of them were about to enter the labour market or further study. The students were paired by university, by subject of study and by class background, so that the fortunes of middle-class and working-class students could be compared. Narrative data gathered over three years are located in the context of a hierarchical and stratified higher education system, in order to consider the potential of higher education as a vehicle of social mobility.
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 212
Edition: 1st ed. 2016
Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan
Published: 11 Aug 2016
ISBN 10: 113753480X
ISBN 13: 9781137534804
Book Overview: This book is essential reading for all those concerned about inequalities in higher education. Richly theorised and beautifully written, the book captures and sustains the reader's interest through a rich tapestry of qualitative research that weaves together the lived experiences of young people in higher education with an authoritative macro account of wider issues of identity, social justice, and class. It combines a reflexive ethnography of the way class works in universities, and beyond, with the powerful and provocative message that a university degree is no longer enough to redress social class inequalities. (Professor Diane Reay, University of Cambridge, UK) This book provides an important focus on issues central to widening participation, setting out new insights that will interest both academics and practitioners. As a policy area widening participation continues to bring to light divergent views and with this book the Paired Peers researchers add a strong and authoritative voice to the debate. (Professor Les Ebdon, Director, UK Office for Fair Access)