This comprehensive reader examines the most pressing topics in sociology and education and exposes students to examples of sociological research on schools. Drawing from classic and contemporary scholarship, noted sociologist Alan Sadovnik has chosen readings that examine current issues and reflect diverse theoretical approaches to studying the effects of schooling and society. This reader provides students with examples of both the best theory and research in the field. Through full, rather than excerpted primary source readings, the text presents the powerful insights of sociology in providing an understanding of the effects of schooling in contemporary society.