The purpose of this study was to determine the socio-cultural factors which mitigate against the learning and teaching of science in the secondary school. It was found that authoritarianism, goal structure, the African world-view, societal expectation, and sacredness of science have significant effects on the learning of science. (CW)

Reports on an on-going study of traditional education in Sierra Leone using examples of traditional crafts. Notes that traditional education is not cut off from life; involves the whole family; is practical and situational, interdisciplinary and multi-methodological; and is geared to the student's interests, talents, and learning patterns. (DHP)

Illustrated is the importance of several sociological concepts in understanding families of young children with disabilities. These concepts include the social system, cultural and subcultural values, status and role, definition of the situation and role-taking ability, presentation of self, and social process. (Author/JDD)

A coordinated effort by all segments of society, led by the schools, can decrease the number of dropouts, increasing the chances that more young people will lead productive lives. Included is a list of sources of dropout prevention activities. (TE)

This article focuses on the social formation of research by considering autobiography, biography, and institutions. The discussion covers the relation of U.S. corporate liberalism, Protestant theology, and Jewish identity, and the role of the university in the administration of the state. (TE)

This study examined gender differences in creativity among 149 Sudanese males and 151 Sudanese females, ages 15-20. Males and females performed significantly better on different tests, but no significant interaction between gender and education was found. Differences in opportunities for independent and creative thought granted to Sudanese males…

Argues for the necessity of developing a general theory of education that considers all dimensions of formal and nonformal education. Proposes a general model of analysis, applicable across societies, that encompasses the influences on education of ethnic groups and languages, natural environment and resources, modes of production, ideas and…

Many sociolinguistic studies validate the importance of the relationship among social variables that satisfactorily explain the correlation between linguistic and social phenomena. The intersection of sex, sociocultural level, and age initiates syntactic change that first appears in the vernacular and progresses to the accepted standard. (52…

Twelve community translators provided verbal accounts of their strategies while completing translations of a short leaflet from English into one of seven community languages. They adopted approaches wholly oriented to the needs of a specific ethnic minority groups in British society, resulting in a markedly sociocultural translation model.…

Uses the concept of family discourse to investigate the systematic structuring of social relations surrounding parents' gendered, often unequal, family responsibilities and practices. From in-depth interviews with parents in dual-earner families, two ways of analyzing parents' accounts of reasons for their divisions of labor are presented. (LKS)

Reviews "How Fathers Care for the Next Generation," by John Snarey. Suggests the book is notable less for its conceptual innovation and rigor than for the richness of the interview data. Commends Snarey' demonstration that individual experiences exert powerful influences on subsequent life trajectories and that even the most determined…

Discusses scientific and social aspects of American indigenous societies that were more advanced in 1492 than those of European societies. Suggests that the different lifestyles and world view demonstrated by indigenous societies could become alternatives for the future preservation of the human race and the world. (SV)

Reports a study of racial identification that provides empirical support for a multidimensional approach. The study involves interviews with 162 African Americans (62 males and 100 females) over 18 years. Results confirm the psychological, physical, and sociocultural parameters of racial identification and thus the multidimensional approach to…

Reports results of several surveys that show that social studies teachers would rather teach history than other courses. Concludes that researchers need to ask teachers why they prefer history. Argues that history is important in its own right and as part of an interdisciplinary social studies program. (DK)

This article explores differences in language development, experience, and use by various cultures. The paper contends that a lack of understanding of multiple views and the characteristics of various languages can result in both misdiagnosis and inappropriate instruction for many individuals labeled "learning disabled." (Author/JDD)