Social Policy And Marketisation

Question 1

Definition of marketisation

Answer 1

Introduction of market forces in areas run by the state, such as NHS or education

Question 2

How did the 1988 ERA create a market force?

Answer 2

1. Reducing direct state control over education
2. Increasing competition between schools
3. Increasing parental choice of schools

Question 3

What are policies to promote marketisation?

Answer 3

1. League tables
2. Business sponsorships of schools
3. Schools being able to opt out of LEA control
4. Competition between schools
5. Availability of Ofsted reports
6. More recently (2010) academies and free schools

Question 4

What does Gerwitz say about parental choice?

Answer 4

1. Increase of parental choice = advantage for MC parents (more cultural and economic capital)
   —> more choice for MC parents
2. Three main types of choosers:
   —> privileged-skilled chooser
   —> disconnected-local chooser
   —> semi-skilled chooser

Question 5

Criticisms of marketisation

Answer 5

1. Testing children so often causes stress
2. League tables counterproductive —> schools might deny low-scoring students to enter the exams
3. Few places + catchment areas = little parental choice
4. Class differences reinforced (cultural capital, impressions in interviews)
5. Funding formula promotes selection (more attractive and funded schools select more MC pupils to keep status)

Question 6

What does Gerwitz conclude about parental choice?

Answer 6

1. MC parents have more cultural and economic capital than WC parents, therefore they have more choice
2. ‘Myth of parentocracy’: marketisation legitimises inequality
   —> makes it appear fair and inevitable

Question 7

When was the Labour Educational Policy introduced?

Answer 7

1997-2010

Question 8

What was the Labour Educational Policy about?

Answer 8

1. Focus on improving education
2. Influenced by social democratic and neoliberalist perspectives

Question 9

What policies did the New Labour government introduce to reduce inequalities of marketisation?

Answer 9

1. Education Action Zones
2. Aim higher programme
3. EMA
4. National literacy strategy
5. City academies
6. More funding for state schools

Question 10

Criticisms of New Labour

Answer 10

1. Melissa Benn 2012: New Labour paradox — contradiction between wanting to abolish inequality, but continuing to promote marketisation
2. Despite introducing EMA, Labour government also made fees for university higher
3. Never attempted to abolish fee paying private schools