Originally published in 1989, the purpose of this book was to explore the nature and appearance of disaffection and alienation in young children and to seek to understand its significance. It deals with classroom interactions and adult expectations of children, and the context of historical and policy-related perspectives on schools as they relate to the under-8-year-olds.

Theories and assumptions about these young children are re-examined, leading to questions on interpretation of behaviours, the appropriateness of practices at the classroom, teacher education and policy levels, and the societal value that was placed on the schooling experience of young children at the time.