The author presents culture as a psychological construct. Since both intracultural and intercultural views mirror each other, all interpersonal encounters are cross-cultural in nature, requiring counselors to confront barriers in interpersonal understanding. Overcoming these barriers demands both an awareness of cultural processes and the…

The distinction between the culture of a country and the culture of an individual is discussed, and its implications for second-language teaching are examined, particularly in the multicultural classroom. This concept is illustrated through use of a French travel and for second-language instruction. (MSE)

Contends that education was an important instrument of social change during the French Revolution. Argues that education became a way to speed up social modernization and, at the same time, hide the contradictions of modernization. (CFR)

Discusses demographic trends affecting all Western countries that have an impact on the symbolic and social role of the family. Considers the effects of women's increased labor force participation on the timing of childbirths and women's likeliness to accept or seek divorce. Also considers the role of grandparents in child care, and explores…

Perceives an increase in adult expectations of children's competence and a concomitant narrowing of what is considered normal child behavior. Questions the growing practice of placing children in "transition,""pre-K," and "pre-first" classes, and in pull-out "gifted" programs. Calls for greater acceptance of variety among children. (PAA)

Longitudinal studies of three boomtowns and one stable community in Utah and Wyoming found that "neighboring" (neighbors' task support, emotional support, and familiarity) was not affected by rapid economic or population growth, but was related to local sociocultural features--familism, social status, religion, and residential stability.…

Discusses social trends outlined in the Popcorn Report (Faith Popcorn) that affect outdoor education, including constant political, cultural, and personal change and the many life roles people maintain. Most important to outdoor education are the trends of increased consumer awareness, concern with physical health and overall wellness, and the…

Reviews the impact of German unification on German society, politics, and culture. Contends that four decades of separation created political and cultural differences that are difficult to overcome. Expresses concern about the growth of intolerant attitudes and nationalism among citizens of the former East Germany. (CFR)

Describes the German health insurance system which is mandatory for nearly all German citizens. Explains that, along with pension, accident, and unemployment insurance, health insurance is one of four pillars of the German national social security system. Asserts that controlling costs while maintaining high health care standards is a national…

Determinants of fathers' involvement with their children were examined in a study of 60 low-income African American and 25 low-income Puerto Rican men residing with their children in two-parent families. Results show that a combination of sociocultural, psychological, and parenting skill factors influences their involvement with their children.…

Discussion of learning motivation and the influence of culture on it reviews recent literature, explores differences between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, gives an overview of the motivational framework, and makes suggestions for planning lessons to elicit intrinsic motivation among culturally diverse students. The model's purpose is to…

This study investigated the role of several sociocultural variables involved in the acculturation process and their relationship to second-language learning and well-being. A causal modeling analysis indicated that an assimilation mode of acculturation was positively related to self-rated English proficiency and preference for responding to the…

Asserts that the participation of citizens in the U.S. Census is vital because the quality of the census is increased and in turn allows for the accurate depiction of U.S. society and allocation of resources. Believes that service learning enables students to learn about and participate in the U.S. Census. (CMK)

Uses data from Occupational Changes in a Generation surveys to examine labor market effects on male dropout rates at various grade levels. As expected, opportunities in manufacturing drew students from primary school before World War II, whereas government sector expansion increased secondary and college-level dropouts after the war, particularly…

Examines "the ways in which educators have not taken up social and cultural understandings of the teaching and learning of literacy." Concludes that the challenge for educators and policy makers is to make use of what is known about the cognitive, linguistic, and sociocultural processes involved in the education of all children. (SG)