This book reports on a study of gender relations in the operation of primary schools. It examines the gender relations embedded in the everyday lives and biographies of the teachers and parents and explains the day to day operations of the schools studied. The early chapters outline the theory and methodology underpinning the research while the succeeding chapters deal with the family lives, class, educational backgrounds and school activities of the parents and teachers. The disputes, debates and dealings between and amongst the teachers and parents are integral to the gender relations which criss cross their lives. The children themselves are brought into focus through discussions of classroom interaction and curriculum practices and are illuminated by the childrens own comments in interviews and discussions. Ideas for change are provided in the conclusions which bring the various themes together