The "social maps" of 89 youngsters as they made the transition from sixth to eighth grades (elementary to junior high school) were explored. Data were gathered through interviews with the youngsters in sixth and again in eighth grade. Subjects' mothers were also interviewed at both times. Interviews focused on the child's social network as…

In this paper, selected evidence on the effects of Japanese schools is presented. The author believes that Japan is one modern society where the schools have fostered individual and social development. The primary focus is on the effects for individuals in the area of cognitive skills, motivation, educational and occupational attainments, and…

In part, this focus is a result of substantial research demonstrating strong links between early social competence and later life adjustment and healthy development. The close connection between prosocial skills and a wide variety of future developmental outcomes provides a compelling rationale to examine what factors are associated with…