This paper explores changes in the pre-school education market in England since the Labour Government came into office in 1997. It focuses in particular on quality, availability and affordability and in so doing explores issues of equity. It will be argued that whilst overall levels of pre-school educational provision have increased, there are…

Two areas in which the question of equality rises in education are considered: the claim that everyone has an equal right to education, and the argument of equality between the different participants in the educational process itself. (Author/KM)

Diverse definitions of equity in the provision of schooling are enumerated. An important distinction is made between viewing inequalities in earnings as measured in a given year and inequalities as seen on the scale of a lifetime. Accepting the latter view, the distributive effects of educational policies are discussed in terms of how they tend to…

The fusion of politics and education, both necessary and dangerous, constitutes difficulty and honor for educators when providing equality of opportunity and training of responsible citizens. (ND)

Sociological theory is examined to explore the possibility of a more egalitarian society and the potential contribution of the educational process to social change. Also discussed are purported obstacles to equality: an ineluctible occupational hierarchy, pessimism concerning the importance of schooling, and alleged genetic differences. (EH)

A discussion of the various interpretations attached to term "equality of educational opportunity" which refocuses the debate by suggesting that a more proper formulation would use the term "reduction in inequality" rather than "equality"... Such a formulation implies that public schooling is to reduce handicaps that children face as a function of…

It is concluded that equality of endowment is a myth dreamed up for ideological and political reasons. Educational policies must not be dictated by such fictions which fail to take into account biological reality. More quantitative studies are required to make equality of opportunity a concrete and realistic ideal. (EH)

Traces major trends in educational sociology since the late 1980s and reviews major findings from sociological literature of various periods. Emphasis is placed on interpretation of "Origins and Destinations: Family, Class and Education in Modern Britain," by A. M. Halsey, A. F. Heath, and J. M. Ridge. (Author/DB)

The 19th-century mutual education for boys and girls was introduced in Britain from France. It is discussed in the context of economic development, social divisions, and historical traditions. (ND)

UK government policy has increasingly emphasised the importance of learning in the home; and commercial companies have not been slow to respond. There is now a growing demand for out-of-school learning products and services, including study guides, early learning materials, educational web sites and private tuition. However the commercialisation…

An analysis is provided of the effects of poverty on child development and later intellectual competence, in terms of goal seeking and problem solving, use of language, and patterns of social reciprocity. Implications are charted for public policy and for the conduct of early childhood education. (EH)

Described are effects of political decentralization in the United Kingdom on political and social institutions, particularly education. The author concludes that regionalism could yield advantages of power decentralization, diversity of decision making, and educational systems which are more closely connected to regional and local traditions.…

An examination of the implications of attempting to reconcile philosophical beliefs concerning equality of opportunity with observed differences in equality of performance, which argues that there can be no real escape from inequality. Efforts to ignore, deny, or cope with the issue of group differences and group inequality must exact a price,…

Examines concepts of justice and rights as they relate to equal education. The author applies these concepts to practical issues such as the interests of the children to be educated, community interests, handicapped students, high achievers, low achievers, and varied curricula. (Author/DB)

Argues that equal educational opportunity demands different approaches for children from different backgrounds. Compares three phases in family economic and social conditions to those of a nation. Discusses (1) exploitation of children's labor on the subsistence level, (2) children as investments for the family on the industrial level, and (3)…