Access and Equity: Comparative Perspectives

The massive expansion of higher education across all continents is one of the defining features of our century. This volume examines two dimensions of this: those of access and equity. Building on the country studies undertaken by this group of Fulbright New Century Scholars, the book offers a unique focus in its commitment to bring together an analysis of the theoretical literature on equity; a focus on the methodological problems of measuring access and equity from a comparative perspective; a comparative analysis of trends and policy developments set in a global framework; and a comparative analysis of targeted initiatives which are currently in place in different societies. The need to develop a comparative research programme addressing the question of measuring equity is noted. The volume will be of interest to a broad range of readers: policy makers and researchers at international, national and local levels; non-governmental bodies; higher education institutions; and members of the public interested in these topics. During a period of financial constraint, the provision of access to higher education for disadvantaged groups, and their retention in higher education, remains a continuing and important issue.