Sociology of Education in Canada utilizes a contemporary theoretical focus to analyze how education in Canada is affected by pre-existing and persistent inequalities among members of society. It presents the historical and cultural factors that have shaped our current education system, examines the larger social trends that have contributed to present problems, discusses the various interest groups involved, and analyzes the larger social discourses that influence any discussion of these issues. To achieve this, Karen Robson uses many current, topical, and relatable issues in Canadian education to ensure that readers fully comprehend the information being presented and leave with an appreciation of how the sociology of education is inextricably linked to issues of stratification.

This historical and sociological survey of two communities looks into the relation between parents and teachers of different social classes and puts forward the argument that social class, independent of ability, does affect schooling, because of the availability of money and time. This book does not concentrate on one social institution, but on family life and school life. With family life, the middle-class parent is more likely to take their work home with them. Yet Lareau's research also shows that middle-class parents are more inclined to spend more time and money on their children's education. The book ends with a personal essay on the common problems faced in this sort of field work.

Based upon a year of videotaped observations of one inner-city elementary school class, a sociologist analyzes the tacit rules that organize the social interaction of a classroom and provides a new understanding of its social fabric.