Refereed journal article or data article (A1)
University non-admittance and anomie: Reconsidering the promise of an egalitarian society
List of Authors: Isopahkala-Bouret Ulpukka
Publisher: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD
Publication year: 2020
Journal: British Journal of Sociology of Education
Journal name in source: BRITISH JOURNAL OF SOCIOLOGY OF EDUCATION
Journal acronym: BRIT J SOCIOL EDUC
Volume number: 41
Issue number: 3
Start page: 361
End page: 367
Number of pages: 16
ISSN: 0142-5692
eISSN: 1465-3346
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/01425692.2020.1726172
URL: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/01425692.2020.1726172
Self-archived copy’s web address: https://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/46087976
The core theme of this article is the emerging tension between the egalitarian discourse that increases the general aspiration of people to become more educated and actual admission constraints. A desire to attend a university and not being allowed to (i.e. non-admittance) is a loss that can potentially result in an anomic condition. Anomie theory gives a sociological explanation for a painful situation in which there is a cultural overemphasis on success combined with structurally limited opportunities. In this study, the focus is on the experiences of prospective students who have been applying to a selective university in Finland without gaining admission. The data consists of 50 personal online narratives. The analysis is presented in accordance with a conceptual typology of individual responses to the conditions of non-admittance. The findings yield important insights regarding university choice, meritocratic selection and formulation of equitable admission policies.
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