This Research Workshop follows from and links to the Symposium (of the same title, proposed by Lazaro Moreno Herrera and Sharon Gewirtz) whose aim is to explore, compare and evaluate the different ways in which equity is realized and/or enacted in different European contexts. Whereas in the symposium the papers and cases from the different countries are presented, this session seeks to investigate the ways in which we can actually compare the different equitable practices across regional, national and cultural boundaries, in particular considering methodological issues. Interestingly, but not surprisingly, notions of social justice are perceived differently in different countries. Not only do different countries perceive notions of social justice differently - at one moment in time - but notions also vary over time. This is not surprising considering their cultural origin and plural nature, and considering that they only make sense in relation to people. Cultural identities come from somewhere, have histories. But ... far from being eternally fixed in some essentialist past, they are subject to the continual play of history, culture and power ... identities are the names we have to give to different ways we are positioned by, and position ourselves within, the narratives of the past. (Hall, 1993, p.394) If we can accept that there are different notions of social justice, and within those notions likely to be different facets, and between those facets likely to be different tensions, then it is important to taking these into account when considering methodological issues and the research design. We thus have to find, or create, methodological ways and tools to adequately 'measure' those different facets of social justice and the tensions betweens them. How can this be realised in a study of equitable practices in classrooms in different countries? In the first part of the Research Workshop the convenor will outline the potential strengths and weaknesses of comparative work in methodological terms, and relate the issues raised to the study of comparing 'enacted equity' in different European contexts. In the second part the co- authors will raise and discuss particular issues connected to their individual contribution, and how these could be dealt with. In the third part the audience is encouraged to contribute and work interactively with the research team, in order to develop a deeper understanding of the comparative (methodological as well as substantive) and theoretical issues. The following questions are likely to be discussed: " In which ways is it possible to explore equitable practices in different countries?, Is the classroom a suitable setting?, To what extent are the identified ways methodologically (and practically) 'sound'?; " What are the different conceptions of equity in play and how can we understand these differences?; " What are the features of the different contexts and levels that appear to make some things possible and others not?. The Research Workshop will be of interactive nature and include contributions from five different European countries. It is intended to highlight and discuss methodological issues involved in comparing equitable practices across European settings and cultures.