ABSTRACT
Two recurring themes in political debate concern who shall have the power to make important decisions and how resources shall be divided amongst citizens. The first question relates to the nature of the elite and the second to the degree of equality. Both themes have been prominent in British political debate over the twentieth century and have therefore, had an impact upon educational policy. Education in family and school is felt to be a major determinant in the process of political socialization. This chapter examines the general process of political socialization, and looks at the part played in it by certain of the agents of socialization. The organization of schools can be an important influence on political socialization. In Britain ritual effects provide the obvious examples: prayers for the Queen and her ministers in morning assembly or deference expressed in personal relationships. Such ritual elements are consensual in function, but today dissensual elements are increasingly entering the hidden curriculum.
