Title

Transport and social exclusion: access to higher education in the UK policy context

Authors

Susan Kenyon

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

2010

Subject Area

Location - UK, Social Issues - Social exclusion, Transport accessibility - Lack of access, Transport policy - Disadvantage, Population - Education

Abstract

This paper examines the student experience of transport, within the context of two hitherto distinct discourses. Firstly, the transport and social exclusion discourse, which highlights the role that low mobility plays in the experience of exclusion. Secondly, the widening participation discourse, which emphasises inequitable access to and achievement in higher education (HE) by non-traditional students as a component of social exclusion. The paper reports the results of a series of focus groups, undertaken with current HE students from a diverse range of backgrounds, many of whom may be considered to be non-traditional students. Results suggest that inadequate access to transport is a substantial barrier to access and achievement in HE, for these students. This highlights the influence of transport upon the successful implementation of social policy. Without consideration of transport and the physical accessibility of HE, the aim of increasing and widening participation in HE is unlikely to be realised.

Rights

Permission to publish this abstract has been given by Elsevier, copyright remains with them.

Comments

Journal of Transport Geography home Page: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/09666923