Readers respond to Prof Shitij Kapur’s argument that having a UK university degree is no longer a ‘passport to social mobility’

Prof Shitij Kapur’s argument that the UK has a “surfeit” of graduates and that degrees have shifted from a “passport” to a mere “visa” for social mobility is misleading ( UK university degree no longer ‘passport to social mobility’, says King’s vice-chancellor, 3 January ).

Social mobility is not solely about having a degree. It is rooted in class, region, race, prejudice, discrimination and socioeconomic status, a consequence of which is what Daniel Laurison and Sam Friedman’s research shows as a “class ceiling” in action. This concept privileges those from higher socioeconomic groups when graduates are seeking employment. A good job is central to increasing social mobility. If access to this is barred by prejudice and discrimination, social capital reduces, and this strangles social mobility.

Readers respond to Prof Shitij Kapur’s argument that having a UK university degree is no longer a ‘passport to social mobility’

Prof Shitij Kapur’s argument that the UK has a “surfeit” of graduates and that degrees have shifted from a “passport” to a mere “visa” for social mobility is misleading ( UK university degree no longer ‘passport to social mobility’, says King’s vice-chancellor, 3 January ).

Social mobility is not solely about having a degree. It is rooted in class, region, race, prejudice, discrimination and socioeconomic status, a consequence of which is what Daniel Laurison and Sam Friedman’s research shows as a “class ceiling” in action. This concept privileges those from higher socioeconomic groups when graduates are seeking employment. A good job is central to increasing social mobility. If access to this is barred by prejudice and discrimination, social capital reduces, and this strangles social mobility.

Readers respond to Prof Shitij Kapur’s argument that having a UK university degree is no longer a ‘passport to social mobility’

Prof Shitij Kapur’s argument that the UK has a “surfeit” of graduates and that degrees have shifted from a “passport” to a mere “visa” for social mobility is misleading ( UK university degree no longer ‘passport to social mobility’, says King’s vice-chancellor, 3 January ).

Social mobility is not solely about having a degree. It is rooted in class, region, race, prejudice, discrimination and socioeconomic status, a consequence of which is what Daniel Laurison and Sam Friedman’s research shows as a “class ceiling” in action. This concept privileges those from higher socioeconomic groups when graduates are seeking employment. A good job is central to increasing social mobility. If access to this is barred by prejudice and discrimination, social capital reduces, and this strangles social mobility.