Cartoon: Parents explaining to son that they cannot afford to send him to a school like the ones attended by those who wrecked the economy.

Education and the Reproduction of Social Privilege

We often say that education for all is a key ingredient in the achievement of equal opportunity. No matter one’s socio-economic background, education is the great equalizer that creates equal opportunity in a world that is often unequal. Political leaders everywhere who profess a concern for the poor and the oppressed have frequently stressed its importance. In 2003 Nelson Mandela remarked that “Education is the … Continue reading Education and the Reproduction of Social Privilege

A map showing the location of the Ivy League schools

Political Sociology 101: Matching Colleges with Career Aspirations

On a day to day basis most of us don’t think too much about presidential cabinets. Yet, they are important. And, they are filled with highly talented people. But how does one get to be a member of a presidential cabinet? Where do these people come from?   Perhaps being selected has something to do with one’s college alma mater. On this hunch I decided … Continue reading Political Sociology 101: Matching Colleges with Career Aspirations