ABSTRACT
The format of this book encourages knock-about ad hominem argument; and Geoff Payne has certainly responded vigorously to editorial requirements. My immediate inclination is to make little of the opportunity for rejoinder: this for two reasons. First, I think I have already anticipated the essence of Payne’s case. Second, that case seems to me to rely too much on the setting up and knocking down of Aunt Sallies to advance work on social mobility as far as it might. But this point, at least, probably does need elaboration.
