What might the sociology of education contribute to our broader understanding of crucial issues related to schools and education, viewed from the perspective of someone, like me, who is not directly involved in that field but still interested in these matters? Much of my own research in recent years has focused in the sociology of religion and morality, and I bring those concerns to the present question. When I survey the sociology of education, it seems to me that the field could improve its research in at least four significant areas.