Education and learning

Drivers of inequality in the capability to be knowledgeable, to understand and reason, and to have the skills to participate in society

Drivers of inequalities in education and learning help to explain why some individuals have very low levels of education while others are highly educated. The fact that these inequalities are often associated with differences in the family background of individuals is key to understanding that they are not largely driven by differences in ability. While inequalities in parental resources are an important determinant of education and learning inequalities, education systems can be designed to limit the impact of differences in family background. The provision of free education, at least up to secondary level, is one way in which governments help to reduce inequalities but in many countries there remain key structural and institutional aspects within education and learning systems that continue to drive inequalities. These aspects can relate to differences in provision as well as access and delivery. The availability of private primary and secondary education which only children from wealthy backgrounds can attend can lead to pronounced inequalities in education. Social and cultural norms is another important aspect that can affect who receives education. For example, sexist views can lead to families investing more in their sons’ education than their daughters’ and the ability of women to access and participate in adult learning, and negative perceptions of disability can affect accessible education opportunities. Here we identify eight main driver categories to aid your analysis.

Explore the main driver categories for Domain 3 to find more detailed information on these drivers, guiding questions for analysis, driver indicators and candidate policies.

Main driver categories

To learn more about these drivers, for a tailored set of questions to help guide your anaysis and for potential indicators to monitor the drivers of these inequalities, click on the main driver categories below.

Lack of adequate resources for, and unequal access to high quality education

Harmful social and cultural norms that affect access to education and learning

Harmful education institution norms and practices that prevent equal access and achievement in education

Lack of good quality education provision for individuals with special educational needs or disabilities

Unequal access to childhood development opportunities in the early years

Unequal access to careers guidance, vocational and technical training, apprenticeships, internships

Unequal access to books, technology and the internet

Unequal access to adult learning and education (ALE) opportunities