Racism has a long history in the United States. For generations, people of color have been systematically oppressed, whereas White people have benefitted from unearned privilege. Despite major advances in civil rights, the ongoing presence and legacy of racism and White privilege result in pervasive inequities. Social work education prepares…

Proposes that concepts of causality and power are compatible with systemic paradigm based on cybernetics of Ashby rather than that of Bateson. Criticizes Bateson's repudiation of causality and power; addresses related Batesonian biases against "quantity" and "logic." Contrasts relevant aspects of Ashby's cybernetic theory with…

Describes the stratification position of women as generally more complex than that of men, because of class distinction of organizational power. Asserts that many women, in presenting the front-stage image of an organization, in performing considerable surplus domestic labor, and in employment and leisure activities, are involved primarily in…

Examines definitions and concepts of power and their application in family organizations. Inappropriate power plays are often utilized by family members to control or dominate others. Presents techniques for identifying such conflicts and redirecting the flow of power. (Author/WAS)

Presents a perspective to help social workers develop the organizational skills needed to practice effectively in hospitals. Examines the nature of hospitals and the hospital worker's practice-building and practice-implementing skills. Examples illustrate task management, creating power, and developing the work role. (JAC)

Reviews situations in which administrators are justified in substituting their decisions for those of students, offers rationale and legal foundation for such actions, gives suggested process to follow for administrators who feel that students decisions are inappropriate, and discusses situations illustrating that administrators sometimes must…

Outlines the long history and the dangers of doublespeak--language that misleads, distorts, and deceives. Offers examples of doublespeak in euphemisms, "gobbledygook," and inflated language. Argues that doublespeak is carefully constructed to appear to communicate when its real purpose is to mislead, and notes its relationship to…

Emphasizes the greater power of producers over consumers, those controlling distribution of valued goods beyond the family having most power. Describes how, historically, population replacement requirements have interacted with modes of subsistence technology to shape the differential distribution of power and prestige by sex, citing evidence from…

In fighting off fundamentalists' attempts to cut off funds and change the way trustees are elected, Mercer University and moderate Baptists accomplished the first major defeat of the conservatives since they took over the Southern Baptist Convention eight years ago. (MSE)

Harvard University has not fully divested from South Africa. Alumni Against Apartheid (AAA) is increasing the pressure by gaining a seat on the board of overseers and rallying support of students and alumni. This issue may become the spearhead of a general change in the institution's social policies. (VM)

This paper considers the language patterning in two situations, the student-staff meeting and student resolutions, with special reference to how the use of modal items in directives can serve as a guide to the balance of power in student-staff interactions. (Contains 10 references.) (Author)

Evaluation of leadership is a central task in organizational consultation, but too often ignores the relationship between task definition and administrative structure, and the availability of scarce resources. A systems approach focuses on the reciprocal impact of individual psychodynamics and organizational characteristics on leadership…

Proposes tentative model for considering the nature of power and how counselors might use power to influence those who have impact on their clients and programs. Presents power strategies framework based on differing levels of interpersonal relationships as way to bring about desired change in interpersonal situations that are harmful to clients…

The author discusses the concept, first encouraged by Irving Bluestone of the United Auto Workers, that union and management personnel should work together to achieve company goals. The history of this cooperative effort movement within the United Auto Workers is described. (CH)

Probate coincides with changes in the relational system of a family and often affects the distribution of status and power among kin. The systems approach focuses on the interrelations among beneficiaries and, in some cases, disinherited members of the family. (Author)