Nuanced interconnections of poverty and educational attainment around the UK are surveyed in this unique analysis. Across the four jurisdictions of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, experts consider the impact of curriculum reforms and devolved policy making on the lives of children and young people in poverty. They investigate differences in educational ideologies and structures, and question whether they help or hinder schools seeking to support disadvantaged and marginalised groups. For academics and students engaged in education and social justice, this is a vital exploration of poverty’s profound effects on inequalities in educational attainment and the opportunities to improve school responses.

This book describes the attempts that have been made to achieve an educational policy relevant to those most disadvantaged in our society; examines the different ways in which sociologists have conceptualized the related problems; and evaluates the success of the policy. He suggests that we are in need both of a more realistically defined view of what schools can do and a concerted official approach to compensatory policy.

Rough Estimates Indicate That Nearly 60-70 Million Children In The Age Group Of 6-13 Years Do Not Attend School In India And Remain Deprived Of The Basic Right To Learn. This Despite The Face That The Goal Of The Universalization Of Elementary Education Has Been A Stated Objective Of The Indian Nation State. Existing Information Clearly Reveals That The Majority Of Children Outside The School System Belong To Poor And Other Deprived Groups. The Study Focuses On Understanding Schooling Participation From The Perspective Of Poor And Deprived Families And Analysing The Present Policy And Interventions In The Context Of This Understanding. Basic Livelihood Insecurity, Adverse Socio-Political Positioning, Lack Of School Accountability And Oversimplification Of Equity Issues In Policies And Delivery Modes Emerge As Critical Issues.