Access to Higher Education

Siddiqui, Nadia; Boliver, Vikki

Abstract

The book chapters delve into the sociology of higher education, shedding light on international challenges and barriers to higher education access. ­Despite the substantial growth in the higher education sector, access opportunities remain limited, and education policies often fail to address crucial ­issues or inadvertently disadvantage certain societal groups. The chapters in this book highlight that systematic disadvantages in accessing higher education are perpetuating existing social inequalities. Understanding and addressing these disparities is essential for promoting social justice and creating a more equitable society. Higher education degrees and experience can offer a wide range of benefits, both personal and professional, which can positively impact individuals and society as a whole. However, these benefits are not equally accessible to everyone. There are significant disparities in access to higher education and the attainment of higher education degrees based on various socio-economic, demographic, and geographic factors.

Citation

Siddiqui, N., & Boliver, V. (2025). Access to Higher Education. In N. Siddiqui, & V. Boliver (Eds.), Researching Social Inequalities in Higher Education. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003452430-15

• Online Publication Date: Sep 10, 2024
• Publication Date: 2025
• Deposit Date: Aug 1, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Mar 11, 2026
• Publisher: Routledge
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Edition: 1st ed.
• Book Title: Researching Social Inequalities in Higher Education
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003452430-15
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/2681847
• Contract Date: Jul 29, 2024