He maintains in the article that these institutions serve less as vehicles of upward mobility than as transmitters of privilege from generation to generation and the argument has a national and international relevance today. According to Karabel, “Today, the competition to get into these institutions is at an all-time high, and this has led to serious problems across the socioeconomic spectrum — gnawing and pervasive anxiety among the affluent, underrepresentation among the middle classes and an almost total lack of access among the poor.” (Karabel) The author further maintains that the selective colleges serve less as vehicles of upward mobility than as transmitters of privilege from generation to generation, notwithstanding their image as meritocratic beacons of opportunity. Therefore, I agree with the author and support his argument that admission to these institutions causes a serious issue across the socioeconomic spectrum of the nation today. it is essential that determining steps are taken by the authorities to resolve this issue and to improve the image of these institutions as meritocratic beacons of opportunity.
A reflective analysis of the article by Jerome Karabel confirms that the author makes a highly relevant discussion on the lack of opportunity for some sections of the society to get into our leading colleges and universities. As an individual who has witnessed such cases of the people in my friend circle, I totally agree with the author’s arguments.