CHOICE AND DIVERSITY IN EDUCATION - A DEFENSE

Choice in education is desirable for the sake of, inter alia, equity, because it acts as a check on monopoly power; and a diversity of educa tional opportunities is likely to arise if sympathetic account is take n of human differences. The paper first examines the objection that re cent 'choice' and 'diversity' educational reforms do not satisfy equit y. This is conceded, but it is argued that three rather obvious reform s could make the current system equitable, in terms of the arguments a nd definitions of critics of choice. However, it is recognised that th is depends upon an assumption about the desirability of choice in gene ral. Choice is examined from first principles, and the peculiar powers it has for the promotion of human good are identified. Given this, an argument for a broader understanding of 'choice' in a more authentic market in education is offered, and objections to this countered.