Question

Difficulty: HardEquality of Opportunity in Education

In Australia, the democratic value of a 'fair go' is reflected in the principle of 'equality of opportunity' in education. Suppose a highly competitive, government-funded internship program for university students has 5050 positions and 500500 applicants. To uphold Australian values, how should the selection committee determine which students are chosen?

  1. By evaluating each applicant's individual merit and potential to succeed, ensuring that personal factors like their cultural background or religion do not prevent them from having a chance.Answer
  2. B
    By ensuring that all 500500 applicants are given a position to guarantee that every person in society achieves an identical professional outcome and income level in the future.
  3. C
    By selecting students based on their family's previous history of contribution to the industry, as the 'fair go' principle aims to reward families with established social status.

Answer

The selection committee should evaluate each applicant based on their individual merit and potential, ensuring that background or beliefs do not act as barriers to their success.
The correct answer reflects the principle of 'equality of opportunity' by stating that selection should be based on an individual's merit and talent. This ensures that every student, regardless of their cultural background, religion, or social standing, has the same chance to develop their potential through education and hard work.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the core Australian value being tested.
The value is 'equality of opportunity' within the context of the 'fair go'.
This is the principle that ensures everyone has the same chance to develop their potential.
2
Distinguish between opportunity and outcome in the Australian context.
A 'fair go' means everyone has a chance to succeed through effort (opportunity), not that everyone is guaranteed the same result (outcome).
Australian values emphasize that while people have different talents, the 'start' should be fair for everyone.
3
Evaluate the role of merit in competitive selection.
In cases where spots are limited (like 5050 positions for 500500 people), selection based on merit and potential is the correct application of the principle.
Ensuring that no one is excluded based on background (religion, wealth, gender) makes the competition fair.

Key Concept

Equality of Opportunity vs. Equality of Outcome

Hints

1
Think about whether a 'fair go' means everyone gets exactly the same thing, or everyone gets the same chance to earn it.
2
Consider how merit and ability relate to the idea of equality in the Australian education system.
3
Equality of opportunity means that factors like wealth, religion, or gender should not be barriers to a student's success when they apply for a course or job.

Practice More

Review how the 'fair go' principle also applies to equality of opportunity in employment and gender equality.
Estimated Time:1m 30s
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