Choosing Homes, Choosing Schools explores the complex dynamics of school choice in America. Edited by Annette Lareau, this book delves into the decisions parents make regarding where to send their children to school, examining the role of neighborhood social networks and broader patterns of inequality. Through a series of insightful chapters, contributors provide a comprehensive analysis of how various factors influence these choices.

Paul Jargowsky’s chapter reviews recent trends in segregation by race and class, revealing that while there has been some decline since 1970, segregation remains high. He also notes the differing behaviors of parents with children compared to those without when choosing neighborhoods.

Annette Lareau’s work focuses on interviews conducted in three suburban areas, uncovering that middle- and upper-class parents often rely on informal advice rather than active research when making school choices.

Eliot Weinginer’s chapter complements this by highlighting the extensive efforts of urban parents to select schools, noting how different socioeconomic groups use various resources—such as federal report cards and online forums—to gather information.

The book brings together innovative research from more than a dozen scholars, offering a deeper understanding of how American families navigate the intricate process of choosing both homes and schools. It addresses critical questions about school choice, neighborhood preferences, and their implications for social segregation in contemporary America.