Citation

Roberts K. Twenty-First Century Society 2010; 5(3): 215-228.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/17450144.2010.499476

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This paper argues that widening participation is unlikely seriously to dilute the overwhelmingly middle-class complexion of UK higher education. Rather, it is argued that any further expansion will strengthen the role of higher education as a distinctive and normal middle-class life stage. Simultaneously, it is argued that UK higher education is currently strengthening, and will continue to strengthen, the distinction between an upper-middle class and the rest of the middle class. The paper then explains that both roles are historically novel.