Identifies issue areas in which President Reagan either has or does not have widespread public support. Suggests, for example, that attempts by the Reagan administration to reestablish school prayer, pass strict anti-pornography laws, outlaw the teaching of evolution, or end funding of sex education programs would result in a series of fruitless…

Two high school teachers consider the use of and misuse of the term "sexism," the efficacy of using such a term and its connotations, and the need to fight social inequities with both words and actions. (RL)

Examines the rise of nativism directed at Asian and Latino immigrants to the United States in contemporary U.S. society. It reveals a new American racism combined with traditional hostility toward immigrants. It explores how immigrants have responded by increasing naturalization rates and political activity, forming a new found ambivalent…

Considers how Vivian Paley has probed ways in which social issues permeate who we are as learners and as teachers. Notes how for her, drama has been an essential tool in examining the social and emotional worlds that are foundations of literacy and learning. (SG)

Discusses the role of children's literature in relationship to the current societal problems of children. It is concluded that the responsibility of writers for children is to do the best work they are capable of and that the purpose of literature is to give pleasure to the reader. (MES)

Studies the tenure of Edwin Lawrence Godkin, founder of "The Nation" magazine. Examines Godkin's ideas about social science, and explores the relationship of his ideas to nineteenth-century concepts of natural law. (MM)

Reviews private sector involvement in preventing alcohol and drug abuse and discusses the benefits of private sector participation in prevention efforts. Presents several examples of corporate and local business sponsorship of prevention programs, both on and off the worksite, including curricula development, school-based student activities, media…

Addresses some of the controversies and illustrates the historical background of drug testing and what the different drug tests are. Also outlines some national statistics and opinions on drug testing and the results of a survey taken of a Louisiana population dealing with this issue. (NB)

Discusses a poetry therapy group held at a supportive single room occupancy residence (SRO) in East Harlem, New York City. Describes the SRO, the group members, techniques, and work produced by members. Discusses issues of social integration, separation, and childhood as special difficulties of psychiatrically impaired people. Argues that poetry…

Notes crisis in spirit of hope within society, and growing pessimism that there are no workable solutions to massive social problems facing communities. Explains conflict cycle of stress, feelings, behavior, and reactions, then moves beyond theater of punishment with call to action. Recommends fighting three-front war of primary prevention, early…

Reform-minded social scientists often assume that increased social scientific knowledge leads inevitably to advances in understanding and amelioration of difficult social problems. Asserts that, although important social problems do raise empirical questions, at their core these problems are nonempirical. Solutions must be based on political…

Assesses the evidence for revisionist views of teenage childbearing. These theories suggest that the perception of teenage pregnancy as a growing social problem has been caused by the political agendas of certain interest groups; the consequences of early childbearing have been exaggerated; and pregnancy among disadvantaged teenagers may be an…

Defines the most prominent aspects of critical discourse analysis (CDA) and discusses how such a research program enables individuals to cope with the changes in societies. Also identifies social problems deserving investigation.(Author/VWL)

Explores three alternative approaches (conciliatory approach, integrative approach, and deliberative approach) that writers with a broad repertoire of argumentative styles should be able to adopt when they are addressing controversial issues and disputed topics. Focuses on finding differences among the alternative approaches and looking at…

In this interview with Bernardine Dohrn, an advocate for the rights of children and families, Dohrn shares her outlook on the often hostile environment affecting today's families, allowing counselors to join her in amplifying "the voice of children and families who are voiceless." (MKA)