Between social reproduction and new inequalities: the role of school leaders in guaranteeing equity

Abstract

Italian school is far from being that great equalizer enshrined in the Constitution. Social reproduction is still active, with the classic causes of inequality (socioeconomic and sociocultural status) regaining strength. Non-traditional factors of inequality produced by schools themselves are also emerging. School leaders have a key role in breaking these dynamics, also due to school autonomy. Thanks to issue-aware governance and distributed leadership, they can develop school policies with the entire school community that avoid distorting equity effects.