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Sociology of education is defined as a sociological study of the institutions and processes of education, on the one hand, and the relation between education and the other facets of society, on the other. This book provides an introduction to this subject and analyses of various themes under its umbrella by focussing on education in India.

The nineteen chapters here are organised under five parts. Part I introduces sociology of education, analyses the relation between education and society, in general, and between the school and the community, in particular, and outlines the social history of education in the country. Part II deals with the issues in and perspectives on the relation between education, employment, and economy. Part III analyses the relation between education, inequality, and social change, and discusses the concept of ‘value-oriented education’ and the educational saga and ideology of Dr Ambedkar, and reflects on the educational backwardness of Muslims. Part IV examines the decline of the university as a public institution, the changing status of the academic profession, and the nature of student political activism. Part V dwells on the political aspects of education by discussing the issues of multiculturalism, democracy, peace and conflict all in relation to education.

The coverage of the themes and the sustained sociological perspective with which they are analysed makes this book useful to teachers and students engaged in the study of sociology of education, and research scholars and policy makers interested in the field of education.