Based on original research by the Economic and Social Research Institute, the authors show that class barriers in Ireland are substantially more rigid than in other countries. They go on to argue that the introduction of free education has not reduced educational inequalities. Rather than observing a movement towards equality of opportunity, research has shown a continued capacity of those in privileged positions to maintain their relative advantages against the encroachment of outsiders. The findings set out in this book provide compelling evidence of the continuing significance in Ireland of class differences in income, standards of living, poverty, economic stress and physical and mental health. Other books by Christopher T. Whelan include Values and Social Changes in Ireland.