International examinations: The new credentialism and reproduction of advantage in a globalising world

John Lowe

Research output: Journal PublicationArticlepeer-review

34 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

International examinations are increasingly being used by local élites to reproduce their advantage in the face of growing educational competition and the changing economic order associated with globalisation and 'post-Fordism'. Evidence from opportunity samples of students taking these examinations in five countries suggests how this may be working in practice. The evidence indicates that the patterns of use are various and are influenced both by local educational cultures and by broader considerations of location in relation to global economic 'cores'. International credentials bring a qualitatively new dimension to the issue of credentialism and credential inflation as they exclude the majority from participation in the new competition for access to the most advantageous occupational opportunities.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)363-377
Number of pages15
JournalAssessment in Education: Principles, Policy and Practice
Volume7
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Nov 2000
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Education

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'International examinations: The new credentialism and reproduction of advantage in a globalising world'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this