Political Preferences And The Privatization Of Education: Evidence From The UK

Author: BELFIELD C.

Source: Education Economics, Volume 11, Number 2, August 2003 , pp. 155-168(14)

Publisher: Routledge, part of the Taylor & Francis Group

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Abstract:

This paper investigates the determinants of political support for the privatization of education in the UK. In pledging support, the electorate is assumed to form opinions about the effects of education policies and reforms and then apply cost-benefit calculations, depending on their circumstances. Based on assumptions about the effects of a reform and the cost-benefit calculus, it is possible to identify which voters would oppose or advocate educational reforms such as greater school competition, ability selection and promotion of private schooling. Support for these reforms is then estimated using the British Educational Panel Survey (1997). The results indicate that political preferences largely reflect the anticipated personal costs and benefits from educational reforms. Those with children are in favour of reforms to raise school competition; those working in the education sector are against such reform. Those with higher anticipated tax liabilities favour privatization and support private schooling. Overall, however, educational reforms toward privatization received only minority support in Britain as of 1997.

Keywords: Privatization; school choice

Document Type: Research article

Publication date: 2003-08-01

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