These three essays on social science terminology examine commonly used words whose meanings, on closer examination, are not clear. The first essay analyzes the term "socialization" as it is used inconsistently by 24 authors in psychology, sociology, and education. Brezinka contends that it is frequently confused with the term "education," to the detriment of both concepts. The second essay, "Models in Educational Theories," examines 15 usages of the term "models," including the vogue expression "paradigm," and finds little of use for the science of education in the concepts. The third essay, "Conflict Education," attacks the New Left and its pedagogical theories for failing to abide by basic principles of concept construction and use. Throughout the book, the author shows how imprecision can be identified and corrected.

In a period of rapid cultural shifts, changing populations and new ideologies take hold and reshape political agendas and norms in the West. It is against this backdrop that Wolfgang Brezinka presents his controversial take on the impact these changes have made on the public education landscape. Offering his views on the historical context behind these cultural shifts, Brezinka argues for the development of moral and values education in the West and discusses the conflicting roles migration, divergent ideologies, and other factors have had to play. Focusing on pedagogy and policy, Brezinka puts forth a provocative perspective on the relationship between pluralism, tradition, and the future of education.