ABSTRACT

The Sociology of Education: A Systematic Analysis is a comprehensive and cross-cultural look at the sociology of education. This textbook gives a sociological analysis of education by incorporating a diverse set of theoretical approaches. The authors include practical applications and current educational issues to discuss the structure and processes that make education systems work as well as the role sociologists play in both understanding and bring about change.

In addition to up-to-date examples and research, the eighth edition presents three chapters on inequality in educational access and experiences, where class, race and ethnicity, and gender are presented as separate (though intersecting) vectors of educational inequality. Each chapter combines qualitative and quantitative approaches and relevant theory; classics and emerging research; and micro- and macro-level perspectives.  

chapter 1|41 pages

Sociology of Education

A Unique Perspective for Understanding Schools

chapter 2|43 pages

Conflicting Functions and Processes in Education

What Makes the System Work?

chapter 3|50 pages

Equality of Educational Opportunity?

A Look at Social Class Differences and Inequalities

chapter 4|36 pages

Equality of Educational Opportunity?

A Look at Gender Differences and Inequalities

chapter 5|42 pages

Equality of Educational Opportunity?

A Look at Racial and Ethnic Differences and Inequalities

chapter 6|38 pages

The School as an Organization

chapter 7|37 pages

Conflict or Cooperation?

Formal Roles within the Educational System

chapter 8|46 pages

Students

The Core of the School

chapter 9|28 pages

The Informal System and the "Hidden Curriculum"

How "Invisible" Forces Impact Educational Experiences

chapter 10|33 pages

The Education System and the Environment

A Symbiotic Relationship?

chapter 11|64 pages

The System of Higher Education

chapter 12|46 pages

Education Systems Around the World

A Comparative View

chapter 13|39 pages

Educational Movements and Reform