This introduction to the expanding field of literacy studies has been fully revised for the second edition. It explores recent developments and new research that has contributed to our understanding of literacy practices, reflecting on the interdisciplinary growth of the study of reading and writing over the past decade.

Exploring recent developments and new research that have contributed to our understanding of literacy practices, this book provides a rounded introduction to the growing field of literacy studies. David Barton reflects on the interdisciplinary growth of the study of reading and writing over the past decade, distinguishing between the competing definitions of literacy in contemporary society, and examining the language and learning theories which underpin them.

Since the publication of the first edition there have been many detailed studies of literacy practices in different settings. This second edition brings the book up to date by summarizing this new research, and showing how it has contributed to our understanding of literacy. The second edition now features a new section on how literacy research is carried out, and explores the use of new technologies. Additional material on cross-cultural perspectives, extensive references to new research, and information detailing current educational policy are also included.