Education in a New Society: Renewing the Sociology of Education

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 464 pages
Publication date: 27 April 2018
Publisher: The University of Chicago Press

In recent decades, the sociology of education has been predominantly focused on quantitative analyses of racial, class, and gender disparities in educational achievement. While this research is undeniably significant, it has inadvertently neglected numerous other fruitful areas of inquiry. This book takes that issue seriously and examines the way the field has evolved since the 1960s, advocating for its renewal. The contributors argue that the sociology of education largely relies on themes, concepts, and theories that were developed decades ago, despite significant changes in both the real world of education and the discipline of sociology itself. They contend that it is time to break free from the past and embark on a new journey of asking new questions and developing innovative empirical studies. Education in a New Society serves as both a rallying cry and a road map, aimed at galvanizing the field and stimulating fresh thinking and research.

The contributors to this book recognize that the sociology of education has been hindered by a lack of theoretical innovation and a tendency to rely on outdated concepts and methodologies. They argue that the field needs to move beyond the narrow focus on quantitative analysis and incorporate a broader range of theoretical perspectives and research methods. This includes exploring the role of social institutions, cultural norms, and power dynamics in shaping educational outcomes, as well as examining the experiences and perspectives of marginalized groups such as students of color, low-income students, and students with disabilities.

To address these challenges, the book offers a comprehensive roadmap for the renewal of the sociology of education. It begins by examining the historical development of the field and highlighting the contributions of key scholars who have shaped its trajectory. The contributors then explore the current state of the field, identifying areas of strength and weakness and proposing new directions for research and inquiry.

One of the key themes of the book is the need to move beyond the narrow focus on educational achievement and consider the broader social and cultural contexts in which education takes place. The contributors argue that education is not just a means of transmitting knowledge and skills but also a powerful tool for social and economic mobility, identity formation, and social change. They suggest that the sociology of education should be more attentive to the ways in which education intersects with other social structures such as race, class, gender, and sexuality, and how these intersections shape educational outcomes.

Another important theme of the book is the need to develop more nuanced and empirically grounded theories and models of education. The contributors argue that current theories and models of education are often too simplistic and reductionist, and that they fail to capture the complex and multifaceted nature of the educational process. They propose that the sociology of education should be more interdisciplinary, drawing on insights from other fields such as psychology, economics, and political science to develop more comprehensive and nuanced theories and models of education.

To facilitate this interdisciplinary approach, the book also offers a range of empirical studies and case studies that illustrate the ways in which education intersects with other social structures and processes. These studies range from analyses of educational policies and practices to ethnographic studies of students and teachers in different educational contexts. The contributors argue that these studies can provide valuable insights into the ways in which education is shaped by social and cultural forces, and can help to inform policy and practice in the field.

In conclusion, Education in a New Society is a timely and important book that offers a compelling argument for the renewal of the sociology of education. By examining the way

In conclusion, Education in a New Society is a timely and important book that offers a compelling argument for the renewal of the sociology of education. By examining the historical development of the field, exploring the current state of the field, and proposing new directions for research and inquiry, the contributors to this book provide a roadmap for the revitalization of the sociology of education. The book's focus on the broader social and cultural contexts in which education takes place
place, the need to develop more nuanced and empirically grounded theories and models of education, and the range of empirical studies and case studies that illustrate the ways in which education intersects with other social structures and processes make it an essential read for scholars and practitioners in the field. The book's call to action for the renewal of the sociology of education is a rallying cry for scholars and practitioners alike.

Weight: 610g
Dimension: 154 x 228 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780226517421