Education

Educational needs of the 16–19 age group: A sociological perspective This paper attempts to draw a sociological profile of young people in Europe between 15–19 years of age. It points out changes in the socialisation functions of the three institutions, family, school and peer group. The second half of the article surveys quantitative aspects of the educational performance of this age group, pointing out similarities and dissimilarities between the various European countries. The final part is concerned with the effects of inequality of opportunity (socio-cultural, sex-based, and regional) on educational achievement. It is evident that education for this age group is in a state of ferment — new aspects include: the growing importance attached to guidance, the abolition of traditional types of examinations in many countries, the individualisation of instruction, the increased emphasis on technological training, and the greater range of options. In diesem Aufsatz wird versucht, ein soziologisches Bild von Fünfzehn- bis Neunzehnjährigen in Europa zu geben.