ABSTRACT
The context for the discussion in this chapter is England, which has longstanding class divisions. We used to think that meritocracy – the idea that talent and capacity would overcome socio-economic barriers – was the key. This has been the mantra of successive governments. Meritocracy remains part of the social mobility conversation, but clings to the idea that if one have talent–he/she can improve the circumstances by hard work. To support social mobility, one must provide children and young people with real chances and choices: chances and choices that are not determined by class, but by heritage, location and self-efficacy; chances and choices that are respectful of individuals; chances and choices that are non-judgmental, and not defined by movement between classes or location; chances and choices that provide opportunities for everyone to be included, and to belong; chances and choices that prepare the way for everyone to succeed in life, in education, health, employment and housing.
