The End of Aspiration?

A cogent and penetrating examination of the myths and realities behind social mobility and aspiration ... as well as a compelling personal account of what those terms actually mean in terms of lives lived, ambitions achieved and the barriers to real equality that exist in modern Britain Stuart Maconie, broadcaster and author of Pies and Prejudice A detailed, often painful anatomy of a crisis. Exley's blend of exhaustive research and empathetic human narrative creates a devastating composite picture of how, at every stage of our lives, through every institution we encounter, wealth and privilege all too often shape experience and opportunity. A book that should not only be read, but urgently acted upon. Sam Byers, author of Perfidious Albion Every politician pretends to aspire to a society where aspiration and talent are rewarded regardless of background - but few take the hard equalising steps towards making that happen. Here's a book full of personal stories and heart-breaking facts showing how far we are from every child starting out with an equal chance. But read Duncan Exley for the remedies that could give us hope. Polly Toynbee, The Guardian Exley has managed in this book to take a subject that is all too often given to dry, earnest analysis and more than a little hand-wringing and made it entirely accessible. It is anchored in robust research, but its the humanity, storytelling, and acute observations he brings to the subject of social mobility that makes this a stand-out read. Mary O'Hara, The Guardian and author of The Shame Game. A passionate and pertinent contribution to a growing literature on social mobility in an age of inequality. Lynsey Hanley