The study of language in the social context of schooling is worthwhile because it contributes to (1) an understanding of the role of language in education, (2) an understanding of the role of schooling in social stratification, and (3) sociological theory more generally, by revealing issues for analysis. (Author/RM)

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…