The iron law of hierarchy? Institutional differentiation in UK higher education

Bibliographic Data

ID4885260
AuthorsLinda Croxford (University of Edinburgh), David Raffe (University of Edinburgh, corresponding author)
Year2015
Volume40
Issue9
Pages1625-1640
Publication date2015-10-21
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueStudies in Higher Education (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0307-5079 • E-ISSN: 1470-174X
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/03075079.2014.899342
OpenAlexW2044608169
LanguageEN
Citations received35
References cited19

This paper maps the main dimensions of differentiation among institutions and ‘faculties’ (subject areas within institutions) of higher education in the United Kingdom. It does so through a principal components analysis based on the characteristics of applicants and entrants. A single status dimension accounts for a quarter of the variation, and is associated with the social class, educational background, age (under 21) and non-local origin of students. This dimension is very stable over time and across England, Wales and Scotland. It is robust in the face of alternative specifications. The paper argues that this institutional hierarchy is deeply embedded in wider social structures and reflects the social reproduction role of higher education. Other, somewhat less stable dimensions, are associated with students' ethnic background and domicile

Demographic economics · Economics · Ethnic group · Geography · Hierarchy · Higher education · Political science · Social class · Sociology · Higher Education Research Studies · Intergenerational and Educational Inequality Studies · Law · Youth Education and Societal Dynamics