Education and Inequality

In this essay, I propose first to describe and out line the links between the educational system and the genera tion of income inequality. The educational system has been criticized as one of the major institutions by which inequality has been perpetuated, especially in less developed countries. In response to this criticism, there have been a number of alternative proposals for modification of our present structure. I shall examine a few of the more important of these proposals and trace through their implications. The desirability of these proposals depends on certain factual assumptions and philo sophical presuppositions which may encounter substantial dis agreement. Thus, it is not surprising to find disagreement on the nature of desirable reforms for our educational system. This analysis does not lead to any clear-cut policy recommenda tions; if anything, it suggests that, so far at least, no convinc ing case has been made for any significant changes in the or ganization of our educational system.