University non-admittance and anomie: Reconsidering the promise of an egalitarian society



: Isopahkala-Bouret Ulpukka

Publisher: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD

: 2020

: British Journal of Sociology of Education

: BRITISH JOURNAL OF SOCIOLOGY OF EDUCATION

: BRIT J SOCIOL EDUC

: 41

: 3

: 361

: 367

: 16

: 0142-5692

: 1465-3346

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/01425692.2020.1726172

: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/01425692.2020.1726172

: 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.

Last updated on 2024-26-11 at 23:32