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Education Markets and School Segregation: A Mechanism-Based Explanation

Authors :
Zancajo, Adrián
Bonal, Xavier
Source :
Compare: A Journal of Comparative and International Education. 2022 52(8):1241-1258.
Publication Year :
2022

Abstract

Education markets have spread worldwide over the past few decades. Frequently, the expansion of markets in education is presented by their promoters as a means to improve the opportunities of the most socioeconomically disadvantaged students. However, the evidence available shows that market-oriented policies that enhance competition and choice tend to produce negative effects on equity by boosting school segregation and social stratification among public and private schools. This paper aims to unpack the mechanisms through which market-oriented policies and the involvement of private actors in education can foster the uneven distribution of students from disadvantaged backgrounds. By using a mechanism-based explanation, this paper identifies and describes the functioning of three main mechanisms by which pro-market policies generate school segregation. Finally, the paper addresses the analytical benefits of the mechanism-based approach and reflects on its policy implications regarding market-oriented reforms in education.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
0305-7925 and 1469-3623
Volume :
52
Issue :
8
Database :
ERIC
Journal :
Compare: A Journal of Comparative and International Education
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
EJ1368304
Document Type :
Journal Articles<br />Reports - Descriptive
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1080/03057925.2020.1858272