Practice question · Multiple choice
Educational expansion increases absolute participation across all social classes, yet relative class advantages often persist. What accounts for this apparent paradox under Lucas's model of effectively maintained inequality?
Hints
- What occurs after an advantaged group attains near-universal access to a given level of education?
- Does inequality disappear when enrolment expands, or does it change form?
Show the answer
C. Advantaged classes shift focus to qualitative institutional divides
Why
Lucas showed that once upper classes saturate a tier of education, inequality pivots from quantity to prestige and track differentiation. Persisting gaps reflect stratified pathways, not absolute exclusion or universal primary effects.
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