Applying material from Item B and your knowledge, evaluate the view that marketisation policies have increased diversity and choice in the education system - AQA - A-Level Sociology - Question 4 - 2022 - Paper 1

Marketisation policies, established over 30 years ago, aim to increase choices available to parents by creating a competitive education system. This introduces a diverse range of school types, from academies to free schools, which proponents argue provides parents with more options. For instance, the New Right theorists suggest that by allowing parents to choose schools, educational standards can be improved as schools will cater to their specific clientele to attract students.

However, the accessibility of these choices can be limited. For some sociologists, such as Ball and Gewirtz, the socio-economic background of families significantly influences their ability to navigate this market effectively. Evidence suggests that middle-class families, equipped with better resources and knowledge, are more likely to exploit these choices than working-class families, potentially reinforcing existing inequalities.

Furthermore, while marketisation might create diverse options, critics assert that this diversity often results in a concentration of resources in schools that attract affluent students, thus sidelining those from less privileged backgrounds. The application of league tables and standardized testing can also exacerbate this, as schools may focus on 'teaching to the test', prioritizing perceived performance over a well-rounded education.

In conclusion, while marketisation policies theoretically have increased choice and diversity in the educational landscape, substantial evidence points to significant limitations in how real-world inequalities manifest, questioning the overall effectiveness of such policies in fostering true diversity and equitable choice.