Among the most important questions critical educators can ask today are the following: Can schools play a role in making a more just society possible? If not, why not? If so, what can they do? These questions provide the basis for this article by Michael Apple, as well as for the books under discussion here. The books by David Blacker, John Marsh,…

Describes the historical process through which certain social meanings became particularly school meanings and a study of kindergarten experience that documents the potency and staying power of these particular social meanings, and raises the question of whether piecemeal reforms can succeed. (Author/MLF)

School curricula are not politically neutral grounds of knowledge. Rather, each takes certain social forms and embodies certain interests. The article discusses how the power of class, race, and gender dynamics determines curriculum structure. It also discusses the role of the school in capitalist countries. (JL)

The social and educational theories of Basil Bernstein are examined. (JD)

The assumptions underlying recent work on the relationship between ideology and school experience are discussed and compared to the traditions which now predominate in curriculum research. Hypotheses are posed about what curricular knowledge is accorded high status by our society and its economic and cultural effects. (Author/SJL)

Provides a general overview of research on the sociology of school knowledge which has focused on the dynamics of class, gender, and race. Presents a framework for analyzing how these ideological dynamics produce the stratification of culture and people in education. (KH)