Education in a Post-welfare Society

"This book provides a context for understanding educational policies which is currently missing from education and social policy courses.

It should be compulsory reading." - Len Barton, University of Sheffield.

What have been the positive and negative effects of education reforms in recent years?

Why are the moderate successes of state education unrecognised and education portrayed as 'failing' or in crisis?

How has the reproduction of privilege by education persisted despite a rhetoric of equality and inclusion? "Education in a Post-welfare Society" provides a concise and critical overview of education policy, as government in Britain has moved from creating a welfare state to promoting a post-welfare society dominated by private enterprise and competitive markets.

Concentrating particularly on the past twenty years, Sally Tomlinson places in context the avalanche of legislation and documentation that has re-formed education into a competitive enterprise in which young people 'learn to compete'. She also demonstrates how a relatively decentralised education system became a system in which funding, teaching and curriculum were centrally controlled, and education narrowed to an economic function.

Chronologies of education acts, reports and initiatives are provided at the beginning of the first six chapters.

Major legislation is summarised, and an extensive bibliography and annotated suggestions for further reading provide additional guidance.

The result is an invaluable resource for students of social policy and education, as well as educational researchers and professionals.