Austerity and Education : The impact of austerity measures implemented between 2010 and 2015 on the English education system and the subsequent influence on inequality

Abstract

The thesis discusses whether the austerity measures implemented between 2010 and 2015 affected the education system and subsequently influenced inequality in England. The two research questions guide the examination of the thesis, where the first research question studies: How austerity measures have affected education in England, both in general and more specifically for disadvantaged children? Furthermore, the second research question investigates: How the distribution of austerity cuts influenced inequality in England? In order to structure the arguments, the thesis is divided into five chapters. Initially, the first two chapters form a background for the examination of the thesis statement. By applying the literary review method, the third chapter analyses the implemented education austerity measures by studying relevant research on educational inequality. The fourth chapter discusses the previous findings together with research on the topics of inequality, poverty and social mobility. Finally, the fifth chapter summarises the main finding and presents a conclusion.