Choice and Diversity in Education: a defence

Abstract

Choice in education is desirable for the sake of inter alia, equity, because it acts as a check on monopoly power; and a diversity of educational opportunities is likely to arise if sympathetic account is taken of human differences. The paper first examines the objection that recent ‘choice’ and ‘diversity’ educational reforms do not satisfy equity. This is conceded, but it is argued that three rather obvious reforms could make the current system equitable, in terms of the arguments and definitions of critics of choice. However, it is recognised that this depends upon an assumption about the desirability of choice in general. Choice is examined from first principles, and the peculiar powers it has for the promotion of human good are identified. Given this, an argument for a broader understanding of ‘choice’ in a more authentic market in education is offered, and objections to this countered.