The idea of ‘raising aspirations’ has long been recognised as problematic in the field of widening participation. A focus on aspiration can blame members of under-represented groups themselves for their low rates of participation, and critics of this stance instead point to the structural barriers and lack of encouragement which can limit expectations of higher education study for these groups. Furthermore, while notions of aspiration or expectation for higher education study are often discussed at the level of individuals and communities, institutional aspirations and expectations for widening participation work often receive much less attention.
This blog explores how higher education institutions across the sector frame their aspirations and expectations for supporting Gypsy, Traveller, Roma, Showmen and Boater communities; groups acknowledged as the most disadvantaged in the UK education system. It draws upon research funded by the Society for Research into Higher Education, in which we explored how these communities are portrayed in widening participation research, policy and practice.
