ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the way in which 'education' has been defined within major areas of the sociology of education. It draws examples of empirical evidence from the United Kingdom and in particular from the English educational system. The chapter provides guidance on some of the major sources of educational data: population censuses, continuous and regular surveys such as the General Household Survey, national cohort or longitudinal studies and ad hoc investigations using qualitative and quantitative data. Trend reports indicate that studies of schools and classrooms are a relatively recent interest among sociologists who had for some time regarded the school as a 'black box' where internal processes remained unquestioned. Burgess who focused on the Newsom curriculum for secondary school pupils regarded as less willing and less able found that even this area of the curriculum was defined in terms of examinations. Much basic data on education and occupation can be derived from the General Household Survey.
