Equity

The chapter discusses educational and social equity in the context of high participation systems (HPS) of higher education. It begins by discussing the terms ‘equity’ and ‘equality’ in a historical perspective. Noting that the growth of HPS is associated with more intensive competition at the entrance to elite higher education, the chapter develops four propositions in relation to equity in HPS: as systems expand, equity in the form of social inclusion is enhanced; growth is associated with increased stratification of higher education, and greater social inequality in educational and graduate outcomes, unless there is compensating state policy; the positional structure of the higher education system increasingly resembles that of society; and it becomes more difficult for states and institutions to redistribute social opportunities in education. In short, social inclusion via greater participation is more readily achieved, while an improved social mix in elite higher education institutions is more difficult to achieve.