Relationship between equity and excellence in education: Multilevel analysis of international students assessment data with a focus on Turkey.

Özdemir, Caner Ph.D., Department of Sociology Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Ayşe Gündüz Hoşgör July 2015, 236 pages

ABSTRACT: This dissertation aims at finding the relationship between equity and excellence in education and how these two dimensions interplay in Turkey. It is found that inequalities in education are not functional as suggested by functionalist theories. On the other hand, findings of this dissertation show that more equity brings more success. Results also show that Turkish education system is neither equitable nor excellent. Moreover, it is found that current education structure in Turkey worsens existing social inequalities. One of the main research questions of this thesis is: “What is the relationship between equity and excellence in education?” It is found that there is a positive relationship between equity and excellence. Unlike earlier claims about a trade-off between equity and excellence, there are serious hints about a relationship in which these two dimensions of education are enabling each other.