Examines sociological and philosophical aspects of Australian education: interrelations between society, the economy and education; different forms of school system; structure and evolution of NSW schooling; role of government and pressure groups in the determination of curriculum and the distribution of resources; educational testing and inequalities in educational achievement: differing accounts of inequality, sexism in school systems, affirmative action programs and their putative justifications; the educational influence of both schools and families. Philosophical matters: ethics of affirmative action proposals; justice in the distribution of educational resources; justification of curriculum decisions.