Reading Bernstein

Basil Bernstein is arguably one of the most important educational theorists of the late 20th century. Whilst most academics and students in sociology of education know of Bernstein, few can claim to fully understand the scope and power of his work, which simply cannot be matched by any of his contemporaries. This book, written by a team of international contributors, offers an insight into the richness and depth of his theories. It demonstrates the growing recognition of the value of Bernsteins work to understanding unfolding developments in education systems around the world today. The volume is divided into four sections: * Section 1 considers the work of the theorists that Bernstein worked through and with, from Durkheim and Marx to Bourdieu and Foucault * Section 2 focuses on teaching and learning in school contexts and draw on current issues like boys underachievement, citizenship, system reform and language learning in varied cultural contexts * Section 3 applies Bernsteins theories to teacher education * Section 4 focuses on international and higher education This comprehensive text will show the international academic community in education and sociology - as well as students on education, sociology, sociolinguistic and social pyschology degrees - how to read and use Bernstein.