Sociology, Education and Schools

The range of topic covered by the sociology of education has increased over the last decade as the subject has broadened and diversified. This book provides an introduction to the key issues in the field. The book covers both primary and secondary education. Each chapter provides an overview of its theme, supported by case study material and statistical data, and concludes with a detailed annotated guide to further reading. The topics covered include - sociological perspectives on education; education in relation to the economy and employment; educational opportunity and social mobility; social class; gender and race; teachers and teaching; the social organization of schools; life in the classroom and the school curriculum. This book is designed for use as a text for initial and in-service teaching training courses, and for students of sociology and social administration, following courses that include the study of education. Robery Burgess is also the author of "Experiencing Comprehensive Education - a Study of Bishop McGregor School" (Methuen, 1983) and "In the Field - an Introduction to Field Research" (Allen and Unwin, 1984).