ABSTRACT
In this concluding chapter we reflect upon the analysis presented so far, draw a broader level of conclusions, and look forward to the widening of intellectual, professional and cross-cultural engagement with the issues raised in the future. Underpinning the work as a whole is recognition of the widespread revitalisation of interest in comparative and international research in education, the renewed growth of the field worldwide, and the research orientation that has become increasingly evident. The diversity and multidisciplinary nature of the field, stemming from its early foundations, continues as a source of much creativity, as do long recognised tensions between theoretical and applied traditions and aspirations.
