ABSTRACT
The research project was the result of a successful bid by Birkbeck, University of London for external funding from the Higher Education (HE) Academy Mike Baker Doctoral Programme. Bourdieusian analyses are widely modelled in investigations of unequal educational chances, differential experiences and stratification of the United Kingdom HE sector. The Labour government of 1997 to 2010 funded two major national initiatives in England: Aimhigher and Lifelong Learning Networks, to work towards its stated target of a 50% participation rate for 18- to 30-year-olds. The government also provided a funding premium for UK universities based on their success in recruiting students from lower socio-economic groups. Certain attributes position the author in a privileged social position in contemporary Britain - Western, White, British, first-generation middle-class, highly educated - female, gay, childfree - position me more awkwardly in a heteronormative, patriarchal culture.
