The book puts forward the argument that the traditional curriculum, with its emphasis on cognitive and intellectual processes, is in many cases irrelevant to the needs of children whose futures are in occupations that do not centre on academic pursuits. It highlights the distinct lack of provision for these children at a time when a fuller and longer secondary education is being attempted for the whole population.
Culture, Industrialisation and Education will appeal to those with an interest in the history and sociology of education.