Handbook of the Sociology of Education

Demonstrating the fallacy of the view that the sociology of education has a narrow problem or policy focus, two dozen contributions sample recent research representing the progress that the field has made over the past half-century based on the tenets that schools are: a central institution in society, complex social systems, and shaped by interacting macro- and micro-level processes. Chapters explore theoretical and methodological orientations; development and expansion of education; the study of access to schooling, school organization, and school outcomes; and policy implications of research. Suitable as supplementary readings in advanced sociology or education courses and as a reference tool for researchers. Contributors are predominantly US academics, such as Hallinan who is at the U. of Notre Dame. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)