This book collects together important research on parents’ and carers’ involvement in the education of their children. The contributors stress the importance of dialog and action between teachers and parents so that parents actively share in making the right decisions about their children’s educational experience. They explore the challenges this presents for both the teachers and the parents in achieving such partnerships.

Participatory democracy at grass roots level is hugely complex, especially in diverse society. This book seeks to develop the empirical and theoretical understanding of parent-school relationships and participatory democracy. By researching aspects of this problematic dynamic, it provides approaches for constructive policy and practice. New research into home-school relations, for example, will support teachers in developing their strategies for securing parent participation. Key factors that affect parents’ participation are identified, such as the experiences of mothers, and issues relating to social class and race, and these are taken into account in discussing parents’ role in school. What is feasible, what is appropriate and what is desirable? "Activating Participation" offers some of the answers.

The book is for teachers, policy makers, superintendants and for advisers counselors and practitioners. It is also of important reading for students of teaching, child development, social policy, sociology, and gender studies.

The contributors include the editors and Miriam David, Jane Martin, Jane Ribbens McCarthy, Barbara Walker and Maggie Maclure, Anne Phillips, and Heidi Safia Mirza.