Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts covered in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book opens with an attempt to trace the theoretical and empirical developments in the sociology of education and related areas that are pertinent to my concerns. It then tries to suggest ways in which a sociology of the curriculum could develop closer links with pedagogical and political practice in a manner that would make it more relevant to those engaged in developing radical approaches to educational policy and practice. The book contains some of my own attempts to understand contemporary developments in the curriculum field by interrogating them critically with sociological theories about the nature of schooling. It concludes with an assessment of the issues these studies throw up for the Labour movement in contemporary Britain.