This work examines the factors that shape and influence home-school relations. At its heart is an analysis of parent-teacher relationships in an inner city borough, drawn from case studies of five primary schools and a parents' centre. Interviews with parents are revealing windows into parents' views on a range of issues, including curriculum, discipline and parents' relationships with their children's teachers.; The author also considers teachers' perspectives on these matters, and explores the influence of social class, ethnicity and gender on parent-teacher interactions. While presenting these issues within a consideration of broader themes such as citizenship, community, power and participation, the book discusses the reasons why initiatives designed to improve home- school relations appear to result in such limited change.

Carol Vincent

Parents, power and participation; the changing role of the parent in state education; parental involvement - the present day; city schools; researching home-school relations - a critical approach; parents and teachers - mutual enemies?; teaching - the low status profession?; the local approach; conclusion.