Noting that since democratization of communication is part of the broad social process, and that any given form of democratic communication is the result of a dialectical tension between the social factors tending toward concentration of social power and contrary factors tending toward redistribution of that power, this paper argues that it is…

Two trends in postmodernist thought are discernible: one redefines modernist principles such as democracy, reason, and equality; the other deconstructs and rejects these principles. However, the redefinition of modernist principles offers educators the most hopeful and useful conception of dialogue across differences. (SK)

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)

Discusses illiteracy in social structural terms, that is, as a predictable consequence of the routine workings of basic institutions in a class-based society. Shows how, in this context, illiteracy can be seen as a "rational" achievement. (CMG)

Examines structural marginality on two levels, substantial and functional. Argues that fundamental organizational framework of economic and political institutions determines the relationship between substantial and functional marginality. Explores the ambiguity involved when dominant society defines and controls marginal groups and individuals.…

Noting that societies are inherently elitist in their structuring, this paper argues that a greater understanding of society and the communication process can be gained by comprehending the nature of communication among the elite and from the elite to the nonelite. It attempts to provide a theoretical foundation for the investigation of elite…

The relationship between power and knowledge is discussed, as it concerns the professoriate in higher education. Power and knowledge, it is argued, can vary independently. Although economic power influences faculty, they still possess considerable autonomy to shape education and to develop humanistic capacities of students. (PP)

The Bakongo tribe resides in Lower Zaire. The aging intervene in all important life situations: marriage, witchcraft, magic, native palavers, etc. They have authority and represent the tribe. Although the youth subscribe to modern western ideas, they still unconsciously fear the authority and power of the aging. (Author)

Literacy, reasoning, and civility in education are discussed from the perspective of social organization and cultural patterning. Schools are part of the larger social environment and perpetuate social class and rank as well as teach the curriculum. Reforms should change the social relations between teachers and students as well as instructional…

A large body of literature was reviewed to examine the concept of community education. The review was based on the sociological concept of power as it pertains to education--how power enters into educational institutions through formal decision-making procedures, methods of assessment, and views of knowledge. The study began with a schematic…

A general theoretical framework, group conflict analysis, can be applied to the study of cultural plurality in higher education. Basically, the conflict perspective views society as a conglomerate of interest groups competing for dominance in and of society. Once a group gains dominance it will monopolize resources in an attempt to maintain and…

Examines connections between democratization of schooling and three dimensions of social structure: political system and governance, wealth/poverty, and gender relations. Discusses nine processes and strategies for democratization in education: definition of democracy, legislation and policy, decentralization of education, teacher education,…

The sociology of education is concerned with the study of groups of people within educational institutions. This book analyzes the sociology of American education from a historical viewpoint. The chapters in the book derive from social theory, the sociology of organizations, the sociology of work and professions, and the study of class, race, and…

Introduces four papers presented at the 1985 Newberry Seminars on the History of American Indian Leadership. Emphasizes need for recognition of rich political traditions and distinctive modes of governance in breaking down barriers between Indian history and history of other American groups. Points out dynamic nature of native institutions. (LFL)

In an attempt to gain a better perspective on the relationship between education and the modern state, this paper reopens the theoretical debate on the key role of formal rationality in Max Weber's interpretation of the capitalist economy and the modern bureaucratic state. Against the background of an extensive review of the development and the…