This concise introduction to the sociology of education demonstrates that differences between and within schools, homes, and peer groups are related in systematic ways to differences in educational outcomes. Employing both empirical data and important theoretical concepts, it explores the impact of school, family, and a wide range of other factors on academic success in terms of equality and achievements. Extensive coverage of thought-provoking topics, such as the black/white test score gap, school and class size, tracking, reform and restructuring, youth cultures, parental involvement, family structure, summer learning, school finance, school effectiveness, and teacher quality.