This multidisciplinary overview introduces readers to the historical sociological anthropological and political foundations of urban public secondary schooling and to possibilities for reform. Focused on critical and problematic elements the text provides a comprehensive description and analyses of urban public high schooling through different yet intertwined disciplinary lenses. Students and researchers seeking to inform their work with urban high schools from social cultural and political perspectives will find the theoretical frameworks and practical applications useful in their own studies of or initiatives related to urban public high schools. Each chapter includes concept boxes with synopses of key ideas summations and discussion questions. . Language: English