28 August 2012
Exploring how social class influences educational outcomes
More can be done to reduce the influence of social background on educational achievement, according to Victoria
Professor of Education Rob Strathdee.
Professor Strathdee, Head of the School of Education Policy and Implementation, will discuss the connection between
education and the labour market in his inaugural professorial lecture at Victoria University on Tuesday 4 September.
Professor Strathdee explores why New Zealand’s education system has struggled to promote the promised level of social
mobility, and how more can be done to reduce the influence of social background on educational achievement.
An expert in educational sociology, Professor Strathdee’s research examines the relationship between social class and
educational outcomes, with a particular interest in how the competition for advancement is organised through education.
“I am in no doubt that the whole educational enterprise has become increasingly geared to producing what the labour
market requires,” says Professor Strathdee.
Professor Strathdee joined Victoria University in 2004 as Senior Lecturer, and went on to become Head of the School of
Education Policy and Implementation in 2008. He was appointed Professor of Education in 2011.
His scholarly expertise has been sought by a number of educational boards and committees and has led to a number of
editorial roles for top academic publications. He has also presented a variety of papers at conferences in New Zealand
and abroad.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Pat Walsh says Victoria’s inaugural lecture series is an excellent opportunity for professors
to share insights into their specialist areas of study with family, friends, colleagues and the local community.
“Inaugural lectures are also an excellent opportunity for the University to celebrate and acknowledge our valued
professors,” says Professor Walsh.
Inaugural lecture–Professor Rob Strathdee
Social Class, economic change and the competition for advancement through education
Tuesday 4 September 2012, 6pm
Hunter Council Chamber, Level 2, Hunter Building
Victoria University, Kelburn Parade, Wellington
RSVP by Friday 31 August: Email rsvp@vuw.ac.nz with ‘Strathdee’ in the subject line.
ENDS