Despite the high aspirations of young people from disadvantaged communities, they face barriers that are frustrating the realisation of their educational ambitions.
This book analyses the ‘left-behind’ phenomenon and shows how education has become the new divide in Western society. It explains how denied educational equality and frustrated opportunity are undermining social cohesion and what we can do about it. It challenges meritocratic thinking and the efficacy of widening participation as a policy for social inclusion.
Combining analysis of educational disadvantage at an international level and among Travelling communities with empirical data derived from fieldwork with parents, teachers and students in the European Union (Ireland), this book offers fresh thinking and new hope in relation to young people left behind in the opportunity structure.
Table of Content
1. Introduction: Aristotle’s Curse
2. The Cultural Politics of Educational Stratification
3. Public Education, Universities and Widening Participation
4. The Psycho-Politics of Meritocracy: IQ+ Effort=Merit?
5. Snakes and Ladders: Aspirations and Barriers
6. Social Class and Parental Attitudes Towards Education and Career Choices
7. Structural Racism and Traveller Education
8. Conclusion: Global Lessons
About the author
Olive Byrne is Head of Access at University College Cork.
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