Discusses the polarized educational system that emerged in Great Britain between 1770 and 1850, based upon student mentality levels. Explains that the differing treatment of higher and lower mentalities was incorporated into a system of separate schools. Describes the system as an institutionalization of the mental and manual divisions of labor…

Investigates the relationship between educational attainment and curriculum reform in Scotland's secondary schools. In the mid-1980s Scotland attempted to reduce social and educational stratification by simultaneously changing their curriculum and opening it to all students. Details the changes and presents statistical information showing the…

Discusses concepts of social agency, cultural mediation, and constitutive action for understanding inequality in schools. Describes the sociolinguistic argument about the structure of language, the interpretive school, and the demands of capitalism. Urges transcending the macro-micro or structure-agency dualism by demonstrating the situated…