Class Inequalities in Education and Health: A Comparative Perspective

Abstract

Class inequalities in education and health in several advanced capitalist countries are examined, distinguishing between three types of inequality: access to service, use of service and outcome. The evidence provided shows that the scope and complexity of class inequality increase as one moves from consideration of access to use and then to outcome. Hence the reduction of inequality of outcome is the most difficult. The evidence shows that inequality in all three areas is marked in all countries and it also suggests that reduction of inequalities over the years has been, at best, only slight. Continuation of present policies is unlikely to change the situation substantially. More egalitarian policies, however, appear unlikely to be pursued within the power constraints of advanced capitalist societies.