Introduction

This chapter provides a backdrop to the main themes of the book. It begins with a general discussion of the concept of social justice, in which the possibility that both educational and wider social inequalities may in some sense be legitimate is critically examined. This discussion is followed by an outline of recent trends in educational expansion, both internationally and in the United Kingdom, which highlights the lack of a necessary connection with greater equality in education. The chapter then introduces the liberal theory of industrialism, a theory of declining educational inequality which has acquired a canonical status amongst policymakers and is frequently used as a touchstone by academic researchers. This liberal theory is then contrasted with recent patterns of change in the economy and employment, a reminder that inequalities of wealth and working conditions remain significant. In its final section, the chapter provides an outline of the structure of the book.