Education has always been an arena of contestation. More so, in our times, when we are witnessing the resurgence of the debate on the meaning of education - its social objectives, its politics and ideology, and, above all, its relationship with the larger social structure. The present volume throws new light on this stimulating debate in the sociology of education. It examines the theoretical literature, reveals the socio-political history of education in India, and finally, concentrates on school education. While evolving a critique of the dominant/mainstream pattern of schooling, it explores the trajectory of alternative education.