‘Society gets the education it deserves’

ABSTRACT

Education has the potential to be influenced by society but can also be utilised as a mechanism to enable societal change. Considering the question ‘does society get the education it deserves’, I utilise Bauman’s concept of liquid modernity when exploring the impact of neoliberalist values on the UK education system. These values encourage a consumerist approach to be taken by those entering and within the system and drive competition between providers, which I argue is not conducive to an equality of opportunity for all in society. Without a greater societal response however this paper concludes that the education currently received is one that is deserved.

Correction Statement

This article has been republished with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.