This book, first published in 1988, examines the most contentious issues in contemporary education. The political, social, educational and geographical impact of changes in the provision of educational services are discussed and illustrated through a wide range of case studies. Issues are examined from a number of different perspectives, amongst them those of the parent, the educational administrator and the organisational theorist, with the result that eh book is able to evaluate which changes are most consistent with the requirements of each group. This book will be of interest to students of sociology and education.