The concept "patterns of cultural choice," defined as patterns of money and time use among which people may choose to some degree, is contrasted with terms such as lifestyle and subculture. Eight research articles, comprising this journal issue, which employ alternative strategies of isolating choice patterns, are introduced. (Author/RM)

The theory of the lexical bar is introduced, based on research in England and Australia. A semantic barrier exists in the English lexicon, separating the lexes of conservative peripheral dialects from those of dominant central dialects, producing differential educational attainment, and reproducing class-based division of labor. (MSE)

Research on teenage pregnancies has usually neglected young fathers. Most studies ignore fathers entirely, or use data confused or confounded by biased reporting techniques. Retrospective and post hoc analyses often produce inaccurate conclusions, and subject samples often are unrepresentative. A closer examination of adolescent fathers is…

Classifies ethnomathematics in relation to the teaching of formal, academic mathematics. Investigates whether ethnomathematics should replace academic mathematics, be a supplement to the mathematics curriculum, be used as a springboard for academic mathematics, or be taken into consideration when preparing learning situations. Suggests that only…

Switzerland's multilingual and multicultural image as an exemplary model of successful cohabitation and conflict management gives a misleading static impression of harmonious intercultural relations. The highly complex Swiss society faces challenges from the coalition of cultural and linguistic entities that live beside, rather than with, one…

Sociocultural factors that may affect the Mexican-American population's accessibility to and use of health care systems are discussed, including language barriers, socioeconomic status, educational attainment, folk and religious beliefs, and family influence. (CJ)

Describes the evolution of feminist critical theory from a study of individuals' roles to the study of the interplay between gender relations and the institutional contexts within which they take shape. Surveys the writing of feminist theorists covering institutions, decision-making processes, cultural symbols, and everyday practices. (DK)

This essay examines how themes emerging in the writing of New Left thinkers resemble those espoused by traditional American cultural conservatives. The views of Donald Davidson, a representative of the Southern Agrarian movement, concerning industrialization in the United States and the role of progressive education in socialization are discussed.…

This article reports on issues concerning the popularity of video games and the effects the games may have on youngsters. Parents' concerns about lack of supervison at video arcades and school absenteeism are voiced, and communities' efforts to restrict the arcades are related. The position of the national Parent Teacher Association is stated. (PP)

A number of interacting factors are discussed which significantly influence the development and expression of adolescent sexuality, including: (1) biological development; (2) societal trends; (3) psychological aspects; (4) familial patterns; and (5) historical and political influences. Adolescent cognitive development and psychoanalytic theories…

Sociology of sport research has focused on describing sports and sports participants. Future research should study: (1) structural diversity of sports programs and their implications for behavior; (2) participation of males and females throughout the life cycle; and (3) links between sports and other social institutions. (PP)

Examines the impact of sociocultural and environmental stressors on alcohol abuse and dependence in the Hispanic family system. Given the cultural values of this population, a structural systems approach is proposed as an adjunct to other forms of treatment during the recovery process. Presents portions of an actual case study involving a…

Presents examples of misunderstandings in compliment exchanges in different cultural contexts and analyzes them as instances of pragmalinguistic and sociopragmatic failure. Analysis of complimenting behavior norms forms the basis of a set of exercises designed to assist learners in developing the ability to recognize and use compliments…

Changes in homelessness since the 1950s and 1960s involve increasing numbers of homeless persons, striking differences in their composition, and marked deterioration in their condition. Beyond similarly high levels of mental illness and substance abuse, the new homeless are younger, poorer, often shelterless, and include more minorities, women,…

The youth smoking problem is discussed and assistance is provided for teachers in developing smoking prevention and cessation programs. Four chapters serve as guides to understanding and working with the youth smoking problem. "Teenage Smoking in America" reviews trends in teenage smoking behavior and the factors that influence the initiation of…