The economy raised aspirations that it has subsequently failed to meet.
Prosperity turned more luxuries into necessities and raised aspirations: for consumer electronics, larger homes, travel, larger vehicles.
Raised aspirations From 2013 all young people in this country will be required by law to stay in some form of education or training until the age of 17, and from 2015 until the age of 18.
India's incoming prime minister, who has been chief minister of the industrially-prosperous state of Gujarat since 2001, has raised aspirations which will be rather tough to fulfil.
Now we raise aspiration by raising the level of challenge.
Simply raising aspiration to improve educational success could be a dangerous message for parents".
We are exhorted to self-improvement through bland panaceas like "raising aspiration" and "greater community cohesion".
Schools need to work with other agencies to establish parental involvement to raise aspiration, expectation and an appreciation of career opportunities.
"We are really focused on raising aspiration in local people and developing their skills," says Mark Flannery, director of student recruitment and marketing at the college.
Teachers were straining "every sinew", she said, to raise aspiration and achievement, but struggled against the effects of poverty, ill health and deprivation.
