Pursuing Equity, Vocational Education and Training and Social Justice

Conference paper


Avis, R. 2023. Pursuing Equity, Vocational Education and Training and Social Justice. European Conference on Educational Research (ECER), Vocational Education and Training Network (VETNET), Glasgow University. European Research Network in Vocational Education and Training (VETNET). https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.8208329
AuthorsAvis, R.
TypeConference paper
Abstract

Context: The paper seeks to problematise conceptualisations of VET and its relationship to social justice. VET occupies a liminal space between postsecondary and higher education. The paper explores debates that engage with understandings of equity, social justice, VET as well as the constituencies it addresses. Substantively the paper is set in the English context.

Approach: The paper is rooted in policy scholarship, with its methodology set in a critical engagement with the relevant literature, adopting an approach derived from critical theory. The paper examines the available national statistics and policy documents, as well as the discourses used in current research in the field.

Findings: The paper confirms that patterns of inequality have not substantially changed over the last 50 years in relation to VET and the disadvantaged groups it allegedly serves. In addition, it examines the limits and possibilities surrounding VET and its conceptualisations. VET is Janus-like, pointing in a number of different directions. Consequently, it is a site of struggle, as are constructions of equity, equality and meritocracy.

Conclusion: VET and its conceptualisation are sites of struggle. Although its progressive affordance are constrained by the hegemony of capitalist and employer interests, it can be bent to secure community and individual well-being. Importantly, VET is not all of a piece and is amenable to the play of politics

Keywordsequity; vocational education and training; social justice; equality
Year2023
ConferenceEuropean Conference on Educational Research (ECER), Vocational Education and Training Network (VETNET), Glasgow University
PublisherEuropean Research Network in Vocational Education and Training (VETNET)
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.8208329
Web address (URL)https://zenodo.org/record/8208329
Journal citationIV, pp. 17-24
ISBN9798854653626
Web address (URL) of conference proceedingshttps://eera-ecer.de/ecer-2023-glasgow
Output statusPublished
Publication dates
Online02 Aug 2023
Publication process dates
Deposited10 Oct 2023
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