ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book is an introduction to the sociology of education and, since it is intended for British readers, it will mainly be concerned with conditions in Britain, though comparative examples from other countries are useful for indicating more clearly what is happening in this country. It first concentrates upon the way in which children become members of society. This process takes place to a great extent under the influence of their families, though there are marked differences in the ways in which they develop according to the social class from which they come. When considering the influence of the family and of social class some basic general sociology has been included upon which a sound sociology of education can be built. The book examines the relationship of the contemporary British educational system to other social institutions.
