This article reports on the findings from two studies conducted in the Los Angeles urban American Indian/Alaska Native (AIAN) community. The research investigated the relationship between the American Indian and Alaska Native cultural values and the social problems that challenge the urban Native community in the greater Los Angeles and Orange…

From the World Conservation Union to front-line practitioners, there is increasing recognition of the interaction between nature and people, and a growing integration of environmental and social issues. This also rings true for natural and cultural heritage educators as the line between nature and culture education slowly blurs. Perhaps the…

The existence of child sexual abuse within the Catholic Church has shocked many. In this article, the authors review the history of child sexual abuse in the church, the recent events that brought this tragedy into societal consciousness, and the efforts by the church to conceal the abuse. Two sources of empirical literature, the general…

Popular culture requires readily identifiable villains. Subcultural groups often serve this role, creating controversies. Controversies based on religion are especially bitter. As a rule, religion in the movies is inoffensively sentimental, but "The Da Vinci Code" is both popular and provocative, treading on the dangerous ground of Jesus's…

This article considers multicultural education policies in relation to recent political and social events in England, France and Canada. The authors start from the assumption that the promotion of multiculturalism is thought to be a beneficial aim in schools. In light of this, they contrast this aim with the large civil unrest witnessed in 2005 in…

Ghana is witnessing an increasing number of 2nd generation street children (SGSC) living in the street of Accra, the capital city as a result of many factors including teenage pregnancy among street girls, ethnic conflicts and rural-urban migration. Street presents enormous risks to street children; they are excluded from safe-family environment,…

As evidence of the growing ecological crisis mounts, it is imperative that sociologists speak to this social problem and incorporate a sociological perspective on environmental issues into the curriculum. Central to understanding how social issues relate to environmental problems is an examination of the ties between consumption and its ecological…

This report states there are at least 12 seedbeds of civic virtue considered to be the foundational sources of competence, character, and citizenship. The report also claims that the decline of these qualities is cause for weakening morality and the endangerment of continuing self-governance; and as the social morality deteriorates, life becomes…

Counselors who work with children and adolescents are well aware of the problems, frustrations, and feelings of hopelessness that these youngsters often bring to the counseling session. However, counselors may be less aware of what is happening in society-at-large. The 1980s and early 1990s have been characterized by high unemployment. It is clear…

Although popular literature cites between 25,000 and 100,000 parental child snatchings a year, no empirical studies have been conducted to support this estimate. To determine an empirical estimate of the extent of parental child snatchings, telephone interviews were conducted by Louis Harris and Associates with a representative cross section of…

Summarized in this document are findings from several recent surveys of Hispanic Americans. Each of the surveys had a different purpose and their samples were extremely varied. None had a sample design which would allow results to be generalized to reflect the attitudes or characteristics of the overall U.S. Hispanic population. Each, however,…

A case study analysis system is provided which can increase student analytical skills while focusing on social conflict situations. The analysis system is a systematic means of identifying, classifying, and clarifying factors found in social conflict situations providing insights into forces that change social structures. (Author/JR)

Limits must be placed on attempts to find a medical solution to certain social ills. (Editor)

Describes the development of a science program in a New York high school to make the study of science more humanistic. (RH)

Article discusses patterns of college student use of non-prescription drugs. Literature reveals that much information has been published in widely scattered journals. The purpose of the review is to bring findings together, and integrate and interpret available data. Original data supporting some of the inferences are also reported. (Author/EK)