Meritocracy is used by governments in many societies as an 'effective' way to represent social justice and legitimise -- explain away -- class inequality. By focusing on a small number of working-class students who achieve academic 'success' and have reached elite universities in an ideal meritocratic environment -- Chinese schooling -- this paper…

Examines the changing social character of upper secondary schools (noncompulsory education, generally regarded as a stepping stone to university) in England. Previously, upper secondary students tended to be academic high achievers, however, a shrinking job market has created an influx of working class youth. (MJP)