Educational Policy and Inequality: A Historical Overview and Analysis
This document examines the complex relationship between educational policies and social inequality in Britain, tracing developments from the pre-industrial era to modern reforms. It explores how various policies have impacted equal opportunities, selection processes, and educational control.
Key points:
- Early education was limited to the wealthy, with state involvement beginning in the 19th century
- The 1944 Education Act introduced the tripartite system, which reinforced class divisions
- Comprehensive schools aimed to promote meritocracy but faced challenges in implementation
- Marketisation policies have introduced competition and choice into the education system
- Debates continue on the effectiveness of policies in reducing or perpetuating inequality