Abstract

Abstract

This report examines the drive for school markets in England using the framework of Lakatos’ Methodology of Scientific Research Programme (MSRP). It argues that instead of being truly competitive agents of neo-classical economic theory, schools may actually possess monopoly power, which is pernicious for social justice reasons. This reality of monopoly power threatens the viability of school choice arguments. However, countervailing power has also emerged, and it may be a force that could possibly counter monopoly power. This concept is examined, and a simple typology of countervailing power is developed as a tool to identify and to facilitate the exploration and understanding of its manifestation in the English school market. In summing up, this paper suggests that at first glance, countervailing power is insufficient to mitigate against monopoly power. Also, recommendations for further work with regards to the use of MSRP as an analytical framework, and to the efficacy of countervailing power are offered.