John Ahier, at the time of the first publication, was lecturer at Open University, UK. From 1974 to 1993, he was Senior Lecturer in Sociology of Education at Homerton College, Cambridge.

Alistair Ross is Senior Professor in Politics and Education at School of Social Sciences and Professions, London Metropolitan University, UK. He has a PhD in Politics from the University of London, a DLitt from London Metropolitan, and is a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences.