Carol Fuller works in the Institute of Education at the University of Reading.

• 1. Introduction; 2. Theory and Policy; 3. The low aspirer; 4. The middle aspirer; 5. The high aspirer; 6. An overview of significant factors; 7. Conclusion; 8. Appendix.

‘...Carol Fuller combines a detailed, sensitive and often vivid account of the lives and aspirations of the young women she studied with an insightful perspective on contemporary sociological theory. The interplay between their own hopes and plans, their relationships with their families and the wider social and cultural situation they are in is handled with insight and understanding.' Paul Croll, Bulmershe Professor of Education, University of Reading, UK

Carol Fuller works in the Institute of Education at the University of Reading.

• 1. Introduction; 2. Theory and Policy; 3. The low aspirer; 4. The middle aspirer; 5. The high aspirer; 6. An overview of significant factors; 7. Conclusion; 8. Appendix.

‘...Carol Fuller combines a detailed, sensitive and often vivid account of the lives and aspirations of the young women she studied with an insightful perspective on contemporary sociological theory. The interplay between their own hopes and plans, their relationships with their families and the wider social and cultural situation they are in is handled with insight and understanding.' Paul Croll, Bulmershe Professor of Education, University of Reading, UK

Carol Fuller works in the Institute of Education at the University of Reading.

• 1. Introduction; 2. Theory and Policy; 3. The low aspirer; 4. The middle aspirer; 5. The high aspirer; 6. An overview of significant factors; 7. Conclusion; 8. Appendix.

‘...Carol Fuller combines a detailed, sensitive and often vivid account of the lives and aspirations of the young women she studied with an insightful perspective on contemporary sociological theory. The interplay between their own hopes and plans, their relationships with their families and the wider social and cultural situation they are in is handled with insight and understanding.' Paul Croll, Bulmershe Professor of Education, University of Reading, UK