Why the expansion of higher education was a triumph over elitism
In short: For decades, critics argued that opening university doors to the masses would inevitably dilute the quality of learning. They believed true intellect was reserved for a tiny elite. However, fifty years of data suggests that mass expansion has actually enriched global economies and democratized opportunity.
The debate over the scale of higher education reached a fever pitch in 1963 with the Robbins Committee report. This Royal Commission into the future of Higher Education paved the way for the first six 'plate glass' universities in Britain. Simultaneously, Antony Crosland, as Secretary of State for Education, established the parallel polytechnic system. These moves were met with fierce resistance from intellectuals like novelist Kingsley Amis, who championed the famous maxim that "more means worse."
Amis and his contemporaries argued that university education should remain restricted to a small intellectual elite, claiming that only a tiny proportion of the population possessed the requisite cleverness to benefit. This gatekeeping logic was used not only against general expansion but also as a tool to oppose the inclusion of more women, part-time students, and the transformation of polytechnics into full universities. The core fear was that increasing student numbers would fundamentally erode academic standards.
Sir Roderick Floud, drawing on 50 years of experience in teaching, research, and administration, challenges this narrative. He argues that the expansion since the 1960s has been a net positive for students, economies, and societies worldwide. Opportunities once withheld from minority ethnic groups and adults have been created by Birkbeck College and London Metropolitan University through their shift away from 'elite' frameworks. The shift represents a move from exclusive gatekeeping to broad societal enrichment.
Today, this legacy of accessible knowledge continues in unique forms. For example, Gresham College has maintained a tradition of free public lectures since 1597. In the modern era, they have digitized this commitment, making over 1,500 lectures available for free download online, ensuring that the 'more' of education remains high-quality and accessible to all.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: More Means Better: Fifty years of Higher Education - Sir Roderick Floud
- Also: More Means Better: Fifty years of Higher Education
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/ideas-more-means-better-fifty-years-of-higher-education-sir-roderi.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
