Let G be a transitive permutation group acting on a finite set E and let P be the stabilizer in G of a point in E. We say that G is primitive rank 3 on E if P is maximal in G and P has exactly three orbits on E. For any subgroup H of G, we denote by 1H the permutation character (or permutation module) over C of G on the cosets G/H. Let H and K be subgroups of G. We say 1H 6 1 G K if 1 G K − 1 G...

We prove that if a finitely generated profinite group G is not generated with positive probability by finitely many random elements, then every finite group F is obtained as a quotient of an open subgroup of G. The proof involves the study of maximal subgroups of profinite groups, as well as techniques from finite permutation groups and finite Chevalley groups. Confirming a conjecture from Ann....

THIS paper concerns maximal subgroups of symmetric groups on infinite, usually countable, sets. Our main aim is to give examples of maximal subgroups which could claim to be almost stabilisers of familiar combinatorial structures. We emphasise that maximal subgroup always means maximal proper subgroup. Throughout this paper, Cl will denote an infinite set, usually countable. The power set of Q ...