Chapter 13 - The Economic and Social Benefits of Widening Participation: Rhetoric or Reality?

Abstract

This chapter critically reviews the evidence concerning the economic and social benefits to individuals and the nation from widening participation to higher education (HE) in developed economies. The focus is on the UK, though it is argued that much of the evidence from that country is transferable to similar countries. The initial analysis reveals the diversity of the groups constituting nontraditional entrants to HE and the highly-stratified nature of the UK HE market. The methodological problems in identifying and measuring the benefits of widening participation are examined. From the limited current evidence available it appears that the experiences and outcomes of non-traditional entrants differ markedly from those of most traditional entrant groups. In particular, the economic and social benefits received by nontraditional HE entrants seem to be lower and crucially dependent on the status of the particular higher education institution attended. Hence there is justification for the recent focus on achieving fair access to the most prestigious HE providers.