The sociological study of education involves focusing upon teaching and learning, upon explicit instruction and the acquisition of the tacit knowledge and skills that are essential if learners are to become enculturated into a new "habitus". Sociological insight into these processes can come from research on conventional educational settings, but…

The title of this article comes from the editorial written for this journal by Olive Banks, Len Barton, Roger Dale, David Hargreaves, Roland Meighan, Ivan Reid and Graham Vulliamy (Banks et al. 1980, 4) that appeared in its first issue, and set out its remit. The seven scholars who wrote that editorial pledged to "publish high quality work of any…

Explores how stability and continuity in scientific disciplines are sustained through socialization processes of doctoral training. Identifies inter-generational transmission of knowledge, skills, and assumptions as key elements in socialization. Uses this research to contest recent United Kingdom educational policies based on theories of a…

Examines research interest in the ethnography of schooling (research on and in educational institutions based on participant observation and/or permanent recordings of everyday life in natural settings). Sociological and anthropological approaches to ethnography are compared. (Author/DB)