School of Education Research Conference

Championing research, educating professionals: how compatible are elitism, inclusion and social justice?

Keynote Speaker

Professor Michael Young, The Institute of Education, University of London.

Whilst promoting a diverse range of research and aims in education and the social sciences, concerns around social justice are often at the heart. In promoting those concerns, we strive for high-quality research that our peers will value, that policy makers and professionals will take into account, and which the general public will find useful and engaging. Adopting an arguably privileged position in society, we often also challenge the privilege of others. Give that educational outcomes and thus quality of life are still shaped significantly by one’s social background such as class, race, gender and disability, many argue that this should remain a key consideration.

For those of us working and studying in Higher Education, the conflicts between elitism and social disadvantage are all-pervasive. Yet in a year of unashamed celebration of athletic elitism at the Olympics, and current government emphasis on a positive form of elitism as striving for excellence, is the meaning of ‘elitism’ changing? In this and other educational and social policy contexts, how compatible are the aims of elitism, social justice and inclusion?

Themes for the papers include: Education policy; history and philosophy; Social and public policy; Social justice and inclusion; Disability and special educational needs; Language and discourse; Leadership and management; Professional education and training; Teaching, learning and assessment; Workplace training and vocational education; Primary and secondary education; Further, higher and adult education.

This conference brings together experienced and new researchers to think about these questions and to consider how they affect our own research. We will have keynote speeches, parallel sessions and poster presentations as well as a panel debate.

Download the programme for the day (PDF, opens new window)

Cost: There is a conference catering Fee of £10 to cover lunch and refreshments throughout the day.