This paper examines the current crisis in education research and how we might confront it. It begins by arguing that the 'coming crisis' facing empirical sociology identified by Savage and Burrows (2007) applies equally -- if not more so -- to empirical education research. Education researchers can no longer lay claim to specialist expertise in…

This paper presents an account of the development of the sociology of education in the UK, by means of an analysis of papers published in the field's flagship journal, the British Journal of Sociology of Education and its US equivalent, Sociology of Education. In particular, we examine the representation of two contrasting traditions in addressing…

It is now nearly thirty years since Margaret Thatcher and her Conservative administration introduced the Assisted Places Scheme (their first education policy) and over ten years since New Labour abolished it. The Scheme, which was designed to provide a ladder of opportunity for academically able students from poor backgrounds to attend private…

During the 1980s, policies were introduced to reform the British education system along market principles. A heightened sociological interest in educational policy has generated several empirical investigations and critical analyses of these policies' effects at ground level. These analyses contain difficulties and inconsistencies that must be…

Examines whether there is a connection among various elements of the middle class with educational pathways. Explores data gathered during a longitudinal research project. Indicates that educational pathways influence occupational locations, while school sector may contribute to whether one selects employment in the public or private sector.…