First published in 1983, Contemporary Education Policy examines the British education system during a period of contraction due to severe financial pressure and a falling school population. It analyses how unemployment, demographic changes, and political upheaval transformed this already complex educational landscape and discusses the political, economic, and social effects of these changes. The study gains additional perspective through valuable comparison with youth programmes in West Germany. Overall, this book looks both forward and backwards: forward to a more policy-oriented and politically aware sociology of education, and backwards to the brief period when sociological approaches actively informed educational priorities. It remains a valuable resource for students and researchers of educational policy, the sociology of education and comparative studies.