Trend: Polarisation in education

A trend indicates a direction of change in values and needs which is driven by forces and manifests itself already in various ways within certain groups in society

Education is both a central determinant and a potential remedy for the widening of economic, political, social and environmental inequalities. It is vital for upward social mobility. But when educational systems benefit some more than others, it breeds injustice. There is increasing polarisation in education, i.e. extremes of opportunities, as well as new opportunities there. 

Gender still matters in structuring educational outcomes of young people and their career prospects. Children with a migration or minority backgrounds and children living in poverty are being left behind by educational systems. The growing importance of technology in education can be both a blessing and a curse in addressing inequalities.  
 

This Trend is part of the Megatrend Widening inequalities

Manifestations

Developments happening in certain groups in society that indicate examples of change. 

Gender still matters

Women now account for over 50 percent of tertiary students in the EU-27 and other developed countries. Even before reaching university, girls are doing much better than boys by many measures of school-related performance. Boys from underprivileged social backgrounds are falling behind particularly. But the trend is different at the education level of doctoral studies, where men are still slightly over-represented and are much more likely to go on to the more senior and secure positions. Also, choices about the field of study remain strongly determined by gender, which has clear implications for persistent future gender pay gaps. 

Signals of change: EUROSTAT, OECD, JRC

Some children are still being left behind

Children with a migration background, including the second generation and children from underprivileged minorities and families living in poverty, continue to be left behind by education systems. They tend to have lower aspirations for their future, which has long-lasting effects on their career outcomes, and even those of their children. School systems that select ‘best performers’ early on, together with housing and school segregation of families of low socio-economic status, are among the factors that contribute to this ongoing trend. But there is growing research about the positive effects of measures to address this in schools, driven by a better understanding of the effects that poverty and segregation have on people’s mind-sets.

Signals of change: OECD, PISA, IZA institute, Council Recommendation

Education's increasing reliance on technology can both narrow and widen inequalities

There are many advantages generated by the increasing use of technology in education - which can narrow inequalities. For example: providing wider access to the newest educational resources, satisfying curiosity, or enabling life-long learning. Technology can facilitate integration of children with a migrant background who don’t speak the language in their classroom. It can make learning more effective and fun for everybody who like learning using games (e.g. maths games). It also facilitates instant student assessment, efficient progress monitoring and student-centred learning.

However, there are also adverse effects of technology use, which arise when there are persisting imbalances in schools’ and pupils’ internet access and connectivity and whether they have equipment, or access to the latest technology. Even when the equipment is in place, it doesn’t translate into better educational outcomes unless teachers are properly trained in integrating the technology into their teaching. Parents can be needed to 'log in' too. The effectiveness of online and blended learning is not equal to the face-to-face experience, and inequalities can grow if certain groups of learners come to rely on online learning due to limited resources. 

Signals of change: McKinsey, Education Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency, EC, OECD, JRC

Interesting questions

What might this trend imply, what should we be aware of, what could we study in more depth? Some ideas:

• These questions may appear short-term, but will likely have serious long-term consequences: How can we reduce the harmful effects of COVID-19-related school closures and disruption to education?

• Who is benefiting the most from the growing reliance of education on technology?

• How can schools step up their role in reducing social inequalities in the context of several countries’ reduction of investment in education?