Social Mobility and the Rise of the Politariat

Abstract

Social mobility may be declining because policy over-emphasises the importance of higher education, which actually benefits the well off. The tendency of ruling classes to hold on to their gains is also important and policy makes unrealistic assumptions about whether this can be overcome. The rise of a meritocratic politariat accounts for some extra mobility in the last 15 years but this is on the wane. An overly statistical policy approach has not helped social mobility and more personalisation is required. Policy is likely to move in the same direction, regardless of whether there is a change in administration.