Review
"A fascinating study of how elite privilege, networks and schools contribute to the fabric and perpetuation of social inequality. A must-read."
Thomas Piketty, EHESS, Paris
"This is an important contribution to academic literature and social commentary that is written in an accessible style but informed by analysis and evidence. It will appeal to both expert and general audiences in many countries."
Peter Saunders, University of New South Wales
“The strength of the Hamiltons’ forensics is the thoroughness of the exposé; our emperors are left with no clothes at all. Many readers will be left thinking: I knew it was bad but I didn’t realise it was that bad.”
Inside Story
“With scholarly rigour, Clive and Myra Hamilton dissect the workings of privilege in Australia”
Sydney Morning Herald, Non-fiction book of the week
“detailed and elegantly written”
Australian Book Review
"deserves to be read by the widest possible audience."
Journal of Australian Political Economy
"The Privileged Few is a thought-provoking and deeply relevant sociological examination of the hidden structures that shape opportunities, influence decision-making and reinforce social hierarchies…. an essential starting point for much needed conversations about fairness, power and the future of social equity in a classed society."
Network
About the Author
Clive Hamilton is Professor of Public Ethics at Charles Sturt University in Canberra. He was the founder and executive director of The Australia Institute, Australia’s foremost progressive think tank. He has held various visiting academic positions, including at the University of Oxford, Sciences Po and Yale University. His many books include Requiem for a Species: Why we resist the truth about climate change, Defiant Earth: The fate of humans in the Anthropocene and Hidden Hand: How the Chinese Communist Party is reshaping the world (with Mareike Ohlberg). His opinions have been published in Nature, the New York Times, Le Monde, The Times and the Guardian.
Myra Hamilton is an Associate Professor in Work and Organisational Studies at the University of Sydney Business School. She is a sociologist and social policy scholar with a focus on inequalities arising from gender, age and social disadvantage. A principal concern of her work is inequalities in the sphere of work. Her research explores how public and workplace policies can build equity and wellbeing over the life course.
Product details
Publisher : Polity
Publication date : 24 May 2024
Edition : 1st
Language : English
Print length : 240 pages
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Summary of <The Privileged Few>
The Myth of Meritocracy
Clive and Myra Hamilton challenge the long-held belief that success in modern society is the result of individual talent and hard work. They argue that the Australian education system, and by extension many Western systems, has become a mechanism for the "reproduction of privilege" rather than a ladder for social mobility. The book focuses on the rise of the "new elite" and how they secure their children’s future through strategic schooling.
The Rise of the Private School Arms Race
The authors detail how private schools have transformed into high-stakes environments. It is no longer just about a good education; it is about "positional goods." Parents are increasingly willing to pay exorbitant fees for facilities and networks that provide a competitive edge. This creates an "arms race" where schools must constantly upgrade their offerings to attract wealthy families, further widening the gap between the elite and the rest of society.
Cultural Capital and Segregation
The book explores the concept of "cultural capital"—the social assets, such as speech patterns, manners, and connections, that promote social mobility. By segregating children into exclusive environments, the elite ensure their children develop a specific worldview and a set of contacts that are inaccessible to those in the public system. This social segregation leads to a lack of empathy and understanding across different socio-economic classes.
The Psychological Toll
Interestingly, the authors also examine the negative impact on the children of the elite. These "privileged few" are often under immense pressure to maintain their family’s status. This can lead to high levels of anxiety, a fear of failure, and a narrow definition of success that equates human worth with academic or financial achievement.
A Sharp Sociological Lens
<The Privileged Few> serves as a powerful critique of contemporary inequality. The Hamiltons provide a compelling argument that the "level playing field" is an illusion. By focusing on the specific mechanisms of elite schooling, they make abstract concepts like "class reproduction" tangible and urgent. The prose is accessible yet backed by rigorous sociological observation.
Strengths: Highlighting Systematic Inequality
The book’s greatest strength lies in its ability to dismantle the moral justification for the wealth gap. It exposes how the "merit" in meritocracy is often a reflection of invested capital rather than innate ability. The discussion on how public funding is often diverted to support private institutions is particularly provocative and well-reasoned.
Weaknesses: A Potential Lack of Global Scope
While the book provides an exhaustive look at the Australian context, some readers might find its focus a bit narrow if they are looking for a global perspective. However, the themes of educational inequality and elite entrenchment are universal enough that the core arguments remain relevant to international audiences. Additionally, some might argue that the authors paint "elite parents" with too broad a brush, perhaps overlooking those who seek private education for non-competitive reasons, such as specific religious values or specialized support.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
Ultimately, <The Privileged Few> is a sobering reminder that the education system is often the site where inequality is cemented rather than erased. It challenges readers to rethink what a "fair" society looks like and demands a reinvestment in public institutions to ensure that opportunity is not just reserved for those who can afford it.
I hope this 1,000-word style summary and review helps you understand the core arguments of the book! Would you like me to expand on any specific section, such as the psychological impact on students or the policy recommendations suggested by the authors?
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