Élite Versus Mass Higher Education‐‐A Misconceived Dichotomy?

Abstract

The proposition that the massification of higher education has contributed to a democratization of society is examined and questioned. While it is true that the absolute increase in the numbers of persons obtaining some kind of higher education qualification has risen considerably over the last twenty years in Europe, most of this increase has concerned the so‐called non‐university sector. Mass recruitment to the traditionally elite institutions has not occurred; even less have graduates of non‐elite backgrounds succeeded in penetrating the positions of influence, leadership, and power in society. In short, massification has obscured the fact that the traditional elites are still very much able to perpetuate themselves and to remain in control.