This paper reviews and critically evaluates recent reforms in higher education in New Zealand. It assesses the impact of the reforms on the social status of higher education and their impact on the reproduction of inequality. To help theorise possible forms of social inclusion and exclusion that might result from the reforms, the paper draws upon…

Flores-Crespo has written a timely paper, "Education, employment and human development: illustrations from Mexico". Flores-Crespo uses Amartya Sen's ideas to bring a fresh perspective to bear on the relationship between higher education and human development. Although there is growing interest in applying Sen's ideas in a range of disciplines, to…

This paper argues that the current skill strategies of New Labour (in England) and the Labour-led Coalition (in New Zealand) are part of a broader project to construct contrasting markets in education and training. On one hand, the skill strategies are helping to construct open education and training markets through creating institutional-based…

Uses positional conflict theory to examine New Zealand's National Certificate of Educational Achievement, purportedly an opportunity for working-class students. Analyzes the position of these students in a market-led, government-developed training system that replaces traditional job networks. Argues that the system is a mechanism for low-skill…