By including material from literary, philosophical, and anthropological sources, and by selecting readings which consider educational practice both within and beyond formal educational contexts, this book broadens the character of sociological inquiry in education. The editors bring together material they have found valuable when working with students of education and^sociology at all levels. Many of these articles and extracts are either inaccessible or have not been reprinted. The collection should stimulate inquiry about the assumptions underlying current debates on curriculum, streaming, school organization, methods of teaching, and preconceived notions of ability.Toward a Sociology of Education develops an alternative theoretical approach to and engages in critical dialogue with mainstream sociology, and also points to other theoretical and practical probabilities.

John Beck studied at the universities of Cambridge and London. He is Senior Lecturer in Education at Homerton College, Cambridge. He has been a teacher of geography and was later Head of Social Sciences at Thomas Bennett School. Chris Jenks studied at the universities of Surrey and London. He is Lecturer in Sociology at Goldsmith College, University of London. Nell Keddie studied at the universities of Cambridge and London. She is Lecturer in Sociology at Goldsmith College, University of London. Michael F.D. Young studied at the universities of Cambridge and Essex, and the former Regent Polytechnic. He is Senior Lecturer in Sociology of Education at the University of London Institute of Education, and was previously Head of Science at the London Nautical School.