Proposes a cultural framework for examining socioemotional development of infants and young children across cultures. The framework recommends three distinct yet interrelated units of analysis for research on socioemotional development across cultures: cultural contexts, cultural complexity, and cultural pathways. (JPB)

Describes child and human development as an eco-cultural project. Focuses particular attention to early development of trust and attachment relationships and the age 5-to-7 transition, wherein cultural goals and psychological well-being are achieved despite limited resources and socioeconomic constraints. (JPB)

Discusses the creation of the U.S. Census and addresses various purposes for the census. Describes the long and short forms involved in taking the census, questions about race and ethnicity, and the importance of a complete count. Provides five activities for teaching about Census 2000. (CMK)

The introductory article to this special issue on sociocultural perspectives in special education focuses on sociocultural theory in the 21st century, especially cultural shifts as a function of history, demographic shifts, power shifts to such groups as nongovernment organizations, and the importance of assuring equal access to education for…

This article uses examples from a study of seven Mexican American mothers of children with language disabilities to discuss the mothers' views about language and disability from a sociocultural perspective. It also considers implications of these views for early childhood intervention such as fostering native language development and respecting…

Using a sociocultural framework, this article describes the importance of mediated learning and the difference between theoretical and empirical learning for developing scientific literacy. Components of scientific literacy are identified and a conceptual model adapted from ethnomathematics is used to demonstrate effects of theoretical learning on…

Describes the history of agrarianism and its connection with Western cultural values of private property, civil liberties, constitutional government, separation of power, individualism, and self-reliance. Argues that agrarian history has vast implications beyond just farming, affecting the language, values, and foundations of culture. Discusses…

Examines the impact of fertility, family changes, and employment trends on parenthood in Scandinavia. Maintains that the most vulnerable aspect of responsible parenthood is the privatization of the family and feminization of childhood. Parenthood as private choice may encourage societal nonresponsibility for children. The high risk of parental…

Draws on components of sociocultural theory in the organization of a second language composition course and the creation of activities designed to improve students' written skills in the second language. (Author/VWL)

An Australian psychiatrist reviews the history of child abuse, especially trends in the last 20 years. Issues addressed include a lack of standards for the diagnosis of maltreatment, lack of knowledge concerning effective prevention, high rates of worker burnout and turnover, and decision making by unqualified workers. (DB)

Discusses theoretical and clinical developments that have accompanied family therapy's entry into the postmodern era. Clinical trends, including use of reflecting teams, self-of-the-therapist issues, increased therapist self-disclosure, and postmodern supervision are examined. Feminist critiques, health-care reform, and increasing collaboration…

Argues that awareness of the relationship between language and the sociocultural context in which it occurs is important for students and teachers. The article suggests that everyday, ephemeral texts can be easily collected and categorized according to genre for teaching and cross-cultural comparison. (19 references) (Author/CK)

Reviews societal and general library trends and their effect on roles of library reference staff. Topics include demographic changes; economic trends; technological developments; shifting paradigms; contextual perceptions; technological competence; human dimensions, including the librarian's role as intermediary; and creativity and innovation.…

Captures the complexity of incorporating new technologies in an advanced foreign language course. Describes the activity in which participants engaged to acquire cultural knowledge through use of the Internet. Examines how the instructional context advanced learning. Findings suggest learning can be assisted by computers when this use is supported…

Explores the sociocultural dynamics within an urban fifth-grade science classroom, highlighting attempts to emulate the ideals of the collective culture of science within the classroom and how students reframed those practices. Discusses the importance of thinking about students' approach to and deviations from scientific practice norms in terms…