TBAY(slightly referenced) - Why we care (Re: Hogwarts Student Population)

[swimsalone]

No: HPFGUIDX 45487

Since this debate has been going on for quite a while and I have 
only been visiting the site for a few months, excuse this 
observation if it has been stated previously.

The idea that a British boarding school is relatively classist 
(meaning some monetary and/or social backing is required for 
acceptance) should be a foregone conclusion. One does not 
simply elbow one's way into a private institution requireing tuition 
for attendance. Even in the States, if one intends their child to 
attend Exeter or even a non-boarding private high school they 
must put their child's name down on a list of students under 
consideration and provide the funds for tuition.
 
Clearly, academic and merit scholarships are available...but this 
does not waive the screening or application process in the least, 
particularly for prestigeous boarding schools.
While Hogwarts clearly conforms to the British education model, 
the fact that the piteously poor Weasleys can afford to send 5 of 
their children through concurrently seems to indicate that the 
cost is definitely not prohibitive of including the working classes. 
In fact, by strict definition, the Weasleys fall under the rubric of 
"working class" since they obviously have no savings (as 
evidenced by their sadly empty Gringott's vault) and are living 
paycheck to paycheck. One's status in the ministry is of little 
importance when Mr. Weasley clearly has little social power or 
respect among the rich and influential within the ministry.

I woud argue that of course a Boarding school is somewhat 
elitist, but the presence of the Weasleys seems to indicate that 
this elitist element is extremely unimportant (except to Ron who 
feels quite put-upon to be poor in a school packed with 
privileged children) in the long run.

I believe the discussion is really taking issue with a system of 
education that is rather elitist, of which Hogwarts happens to be 
a part, rather than Hogwarts as an autonomous entity.
 
Even the Dursleys were planning to send Harry to the public 
non-boarding high school to save the cost of tuition while Dudly 
was off to Smeltings. Under this system it is far more likely for 
those with less social standing or financial resources to send 
their children to public schools rather than prestigeous boarding 
schools. One cannot view Hogwarts independently from the 
long-established system of education in which it is mired. It's 
just not logical.

--Sally