ABSTRACT
Working-class parents objected to losing their children as wage earners and workers, a factor that was most important in farm communities. After introducing the overall relationship between schools and families, this chapter examines the role that early school plays in child development and in the continuation of the parent-child relationship. It considers the role of teachers, as are the links between parental involvement in their children’s education and family resources. The chapter explores the effect of the school system on minority children and their families. Both sociology and psychology have subdisciplines specializing in the educational system: sociology of education and educational psychology. Competent and empathic school personnel may impact positively or minimally on family dynamics. Their effect is minimal or simply reinforcing when problems do not arise and there is a great deal of similarity between home and school values and routines. Parental involvement in schooling is related to children’s achievement, and is consequently a key concern in research.
