Parents, Gender and Education Reform

This book provides a detailed review of the complex relations between families and schools in the context of changing family structures and educational policies.

Acknowledgements. 1. Introduction: Parents, Education Reforms and Social Research. 2. The Family Policy Context: The War over the Family and Family Life Changes: 1944-1992. 3. The Education Policy Context: The Idea of a `Meritocracy' from 1944-1976. 4. The Education Policy Context: The Idea of a `Parentocracy' from 1976-1992. 5. Parents and Education: The Social Democractic Reformer-Researcher Partnersip over Equal Opportunities. 6. A Parental `Voice' in Education as Community, or Consumer, Involvement?. 7. Parental or Family Choice of School, or of Education. 8. Parental Involvement for School Effectiveness or Home Improvement?. 9. Mothers in Education, or Mum's the Word?. 10. Debating the Effects of Family Changes and Circumstances on Children's Education. 11. Conclusions: Family Changes, Social Research and Education Reforms. Bibliography. Index. Index of Authors.