Naeronambul: The Progressive Paradox in Educational Inequality

This study examines the influence of subjective social class on attitudes towards education, arguing that it outweighs ideological orientation. Analyzing cross‐national survey data, the findings challenge conventional assumptions about ideological divides, revealing a convergence between progressives and conservatives when subjective class is considered. While progressives traditionally believe that success is independent of familial educational background and conservatives emphasize education's role in achievement, this distinction diminishes as subjective class rises. Both groups increasingly justify the right of high‐income individuals to secure superior educational opportunities for their children. This study underscores the primacy of class‐based perceptions in shaping educational attitudes, highlighting the limitations of ideological explanations. By demonstrating that subjective class drives perspectives on educational fairness, it contributes to research on inequality and policy debates. The findings illustrate the difficulties of achieving consensus in stratified societies, where socioeconomic status, rather than ideology, determines attitudes towards educational competition and access. Related Articles Ayhan, K. J., and N. Snow. 2021. “Introduction to the Special Issue—Global Korea Scholarship: Empirical Evaluation of a Non‐Western Scholarship Program from a Public Diplomacy Perspective.” Politics & Policy 49, no. 6: 1282–1291. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12440 . Istad, F., E. Varpahovskis, E. Miezan, and K. J. Ayhan. 2021. “Global Korea Scholarship Students: Intention to Stay in the Host Country to Work or Study after Graduation.” Politics & Policy 49, no. 6: 1323–1342. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12436 . Tam, L., and K. J. Ayhan. 2021. “Evaluations of People, Affection, and Recommendation for a Host Country: A Study of Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) Recipients.” Politics & Policy 49, no. 6: 1292–1307. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12438 .