The modernisation of the Western world during the last two centuries has been a mix of industrialisation/computerisation and urbanisation. Consequently, reports on the future of adult learning and adult education have been a mix on the one hand of the learning requirements that follow from industrialisation/computerisation and on the other hand,…

A loose group of individuals working on a task differs from an effective team on nine factors: clearly defined goals, priorities, roles and responsibilities, self-awareness, leadership, group dynamics, communications, content, and infrastructure. Ways to eliminate barriers and speed formation of effective teams could be based on those factors.…

Britain and Japan are shown to be two pioneers of industrialism who took different roads to power and wealth. Each society imbues an institution with its own values and meaning--the Japanese with the spirit of participative self-fulfillment, the British with acquisitive individualism with concern for one's neighbor. (MLW)

Discussed in this paper is the range of ethnic identities utilized by three North American Gypsy groups: the Rom, Romnicel and Ludar groups. Cultural characteristics that each group considers essential to its ethnic identity are described. In addition, the groups are compared with respect to their own perceptions of cultural similarity and…

Paper presents an analysis of a ritual ceremony among staff of a public elementary school which takes the form of "secret-pal" gift exchanging. Study indicates that although such rituals do not resolve causes of conflict or eliminate competitive and hostile attitudes, they do serve to reduce anxiety and conflict. (RW)

Described are the history of three German-heritage groups settled in Pennsylvania: the Solitary of Ephrata Commune, the Amish, and the Harmony Society. Suggested are pastoral, agrarian, and commercial agricultural analogs to life-support strategies of these groups respectively. Faustian agriculture emphasizing the connection of agriculture to…

This paper examines the complex relationship between black adolescents' ethnic identity, school performance, and the effect of the larger social structure on the interaction of these phenomena by reference to the concept of racelessness. This concept captures the endemic tensions and conflicts experienced by black Americans as they seek to define…

Chaldean Americans in Detroit, Michigan, a growing community of Roman Catholic immigrants from Iraq, are the focus of this study. A description is given of the Detroit Chaldean community centers around three key institutions, namely the church, the family, and the ethnic occupation or community economic enterprise, and of how these institutions…

Maintains that sociology must reconceptualize the meaning of multiethnic societies and regions and also advance theories about how such social organizations came into being and transform themselves through conflicting and peaceful processes. Briefly reviews traditional approaches and outlines new areas of study. (MJP)

Compares and contrasts the recent years of ethnic conflict in Somali and Fiji. The widely divergent reactions of both populations dispels the belief that ethnic pluralism is both a necessary and sufficient condition for violent conflict in a society. Provides succinct portraits of both societies and their cultures. (MJP)

This guide is the third of four intended to help persons involved in planning new schools, new programs, or other comprehensive change projects. The materials consist of readings to be done individually and exercises to be done individually and/or with a group. Guide 3 looks at the political side of planning new schools by examining the interface…

This book focuses on a position contrary to the melting pot theory: namely, that group identity persists in America today. Discussed are the nature of ethnicity, the origins of various ethnic groups, the assimilation rate of ethnic groups, competition between ethnic groups, group differences, and the future of ethnic groups. The author…

Questions of group identity, power, and organization are being increasingly recognized as crucial for an understanding of the American scene. Very little attention has been given to Italo-Americans in social science literature, perhaps because of cultural and linguistic barriers to research on their adjustment in this society. Four main sections…