Read Item B below and answer the question that follows - AQA - A-Level Sociology - Question 4 - 2022 - Paper 1

Marketisation policies, which have been implemented over the last three decades, assert that parents have the freedom to select schools that best meet their children’s needs. New Right theorists support this, believing that such competition fosters higher standards among educational institutions.

However, it is essential to critically analyze whether this freedom indeed translates into a genuine increase in choice and diversity. While it is true that parents can theoretically choose from a variety of schools, factors such as socio-economic status, geographical location, and access to information significantly influence these choices.

Research indicates that families from higher socioeconomic backgrounds are better positioned to navigate the complexities of school choice, often leading to a concentration of privileged students in certain schools. This concentration can perpetuate existing inequalities, contradicting the view that marketisation policies create a level playing field for all students.

Moreover, while marketisation aims to improve standards by promoting competition, it may inadvertently lead to a narrowing of the curriculum. Schools may focus on 'teaching to the test' to enhance their performance metrics, thus limiting the educational diversity that was intended by these policies.

Additionally, some sociologists argue that marketisation can lead to social fragmentation. Schools may become more stratified, catering to different social classes rather than fostering an inclusive environment.

In conclusion, while marketisation policies have ostensibly increased the options available to parents, real choice is often constrained by external factors. Their impact on diversity in education is complex and multifaceted, suggesting that the benefits are not as universally experienced as marketization proponents would argue.