Provides sociological analysis of recent documents on social education in Scotland. Argues that sociological theory underpinning prescriptions for social education takes no account of social inequalities and social conflict in both education and society. Explores contradictions between social education and meritocratic individualism. Discusses…

Argues, speculatively, that Scotland has an emerging institutional education structure for students of less-than-average ability, aged 14 to 18. Proposes the new structure would do much to undermine the ideal that the comprehensive school is the natural way for a democracy to order the postprimary schooling of a given area. (JHZ)