Expanding opportunity? Class, ethnicity and educational aspiration

This paper examines educational aspiration among working-class migrants and the mismatch that often occurs between their definitions of success and those of the mainstream education system. It explores the educational aspirations and practices of Lebanese-Australian families in a disadvantaged area of Western Sydney, Australia. Despite their large numbers within Sydney schools, Lebanese-Australian students are dramatically under-represented in high achieving schools. They, along with other Western Sydney communities, are a key target of a new initiative of the state government to increase the number of students from disadvantaged communities in academically selective schools and classes. The initiative is designed to raise aspirations and encourage disadvantaged students and parents to consider applying for a selective place. This paper examines whether there is a ‘lack’ of aspiration among disadvantaged migrants, why they are under-represented in high achieving schools in Sydney, and how the education system can better recognise and cater for diverse aspirations.