Being an introductory text for college students in Sociology and in Education, it attempts to outline the ways in which education is viewed by the sociologist. Chapter 1 states that sociology deals with the process of education, under four broad headings: 1) the educational process as an aspect of social interaction; 2) the school as a social group; 3) the influence of other social institutions upon the institution of education; and, 4) the functions for society of the institution of education. These focal points each form the basis of the succeeding chapters, entitled: 1) The Social Animal: Some Preliminary Perspectives; 2) The School; 3) The Social Environment of the Institution of Education; and, 4) The Social Functions of Education. Being theoretical, little description of the structure of British education is included. Readers are referred to the author's READER IN THE SOCIOLOGY OF EDUCATION: INTRODUCTORY ANALYTICAL PERSPECTIVES, London: Routledge and Kegan Paul, 1968, for empirical material. (Author/DJB)