A Level Sociology Education AQA Practice Exam

According to Ball (2011), education has become what type of commodity?

1. Free of competition

2. Subject to business practice

3. Accessible for all

4. Based solely on public funding

The correct answer is: Subject to business practice

The assertion that education has become subject to business practice reflects a significant shift in how educational institutions operate and are perceived in contemporary society. Ball argues that the marketization of education has led to the adoption of business strategies within schools, colleges, and universities. This includes practices such as competitive marketing, branding, and a focus on customer satisfaction, where students and parents are seen as consumers making choices akin to purchasing services. This approach can be traced to various education reforms aimed at increasing efficiency and accountability, often aligning educational outcomes with economic goals. The introduction of fees, competition among institutions for students, and a focus on performance metrics are examples of how educational institutions engage in business-like practices. Consequently, schools are incentivized to attract students and maintain funding levels, driving them to adopt strategies often associated with private enterprises. The other options do not accurately characterize the findings of Ball. For instance, education is not free of competition; rather, competition has intensified. While there are efforts to make education more accessible, they are often complicated by market dynamics and socioeconomic factors. The notion of education being solely based on public funding is also misleading, as many institutions have begun to rely on private funding sources and tuition fees, further supporting the idea that education is treated as a