Prof Responds: Hogwarts & the Fallacy of Equity

Critical Magic Theory: An Analytical Harry Potter Podcast

In this Prof Responds episode, Professor Wamble tackles the fallacy of equity at Hogwarts: the idea that sharing wands and classrooms means sharing opportunity. Building on listener insights, he traces four fault lines: curriculum that trains spell-casting but not citizenship, a hidden labor economy (house-elves/goblins) that sustains privilege, ableism that sidelines Squibs, and a house system that rewards conformity over curiosity. Along the way, he draws clear parallels to our world, showing how “equal access” without critical thinking, support, and inclusion simply reproduces the same power structures—magical and otherwise.