Discusses Michael Young's book "The Rise of the Meritocracy" and analyses the ideas behind meritocracy, citizenship and education and offers an extension to Young's initial findings. It examines issues of continuity and change in New Labour policy on schools, the curriculum, and the professions (especially but not only the teaching profession).

In all the sections, the aim is to go beyond exposition to develop a sustained critique, particularly of New Labour's over-centralizing tendencies and the associated erosion of local and institutional democracy.

Glossary
Acknowledgements
Introduction
Part I: Meritocracy, Post-Democracy And Education
Part II: 'Modernising' Education And The Professions
Part III: Cultural, Religious And Ethnic Diversity: Challenges And Possibilities
Bibliography
Index.