These papers, forming the 1996 Yearbook of the Politics of Education Association (PEA), explore the confusions and demands of the pact between families, communities and schools. This volume looks at the various obligations for schools as social institutions and the authors also reveal the counter-cultural nature of schooling in various international settings. The PEA promotes the development and dissemination of research and debate on educational policy and politics, bringing together scholars, practitioners and policy makers interested in educational governance and politics. This new annual brings into one volume papers from a wide range of international contributors.