Pooling together writings from the leading academic authorities in education today, this single-volume reference provides teachers and researchers with provocative new topics and highlights issues in the sociology of education. Entries cover both national and international perspectives and studies, as well as tackling controversial points in education today, from gender inequality to globalization, minorites to meritocracy. This unique Encyclopedia is an incomparable title for today's educational researchers and will prove insightful for continuing studies in sociology of education, and sociology and education. Walter R. Allen, University of California, USA; Michael W. Apple, University of Wisconsin, USA; Madeleine Arnot, University of Cambridge, UK; Paul Atkinson, University of W