The past, present and future of widening participation research

Author: Kettley, Nigel

Source: British Journal of Sociology of Education, Volume 28, Number 3, May 2007 , pp. 333-347(15)

Publisher: Routledge, part of the Taylor & Francis Group

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Abstract:

The provisions of the Higher Education Act (2004) have renewed interest in widening participation research. Therefore, this paper explores the development of this scholarly field, primarily in the United Kingdom, by examining major trends in the study of higher education. Political debates related to higher education, the prevailing structure of the sector and predominant sociological perspectives have largely shaped the empirical and theoretical concerns of widening participation research. These delimiting factors have resulted in incomplete accounts of the barriers to higher education, which do not fully explore the relationship between students' social characteristics, learning experiences and university careers. Furthermore, contemporary research runs the risk of reinventing the wheel and replicating the mistakes of the past, since there has been a collective act of forgetfulness with respect to earlier contributions. In contrast, this paper provides guidelines to facilitate a holistic agenda for future widening participation research.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1080/01425690701252531

Affiliations: 1: University of Cambridge, UK

Publication date: 2007-05-01

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