Changes in women's lives and voices are both cause and effect of larger economic, social, and political processes. Women today live longer, have fewer children, are more likely to be literate; they are also likely to have some control over fertility, to work outside the home during part of their life, and to have political and legal rights more…

This guide catalogs and describes over 60 major survey and statistical databases containing useful information about the characteristics, experiences, and behavior of U.S. families and is designed to assist researchers in locating suitable databases. The surveys described deal with substantive issues, including health, education, employment and…

The dramatic increase in the number and proportions of Asian American students over the last two decades has influenced the curricula and academic programs of many colleges and universities. This book provides background for the study of Asian American issues through data on sociologically important variables and issues for Asian Americans as a…

Case studies of reactions of various cultures to western health practices, from Benjamin Paul's book "Health, Culture and Community" (1955), are reviewed. It is noted that this book, which makes the point that cultures and perceptions of different countries and peoples will always vary, is still not too "dated" for instructional use. (CJ)

Wealth consists of internal and external goods which are not free and which endow people with a perceived potential for yielding happiness. Curricula can overstress outer wealth orientation and neglect or disregard inner wealth orientation, causing imbalance between the liberalizing and vocational arts provided by the educational system.…

A number of potential consequences are discussed (problems of social integration, fiscal effects, land utilization issues) and the analytic utility of a social systems perspective is examined. Understanding the reversal phenomenon and its sociocultural impacts, it is suggested, represents a formidable research challenge for rural sociologists.…

Discussed are major developmental characteristics of 10 to 15-year olds. These characteristics are organized around the developmental, social, behavioral processes within early adolescents. It is suggested they are taking on the characteristics of older adolescents of the 1970s, involved in their own lives and in the decisions affecting them.…

Presents strategies for exploring the cultural content of feature foreign films in the language or culture and civilization classroom. Examples are taken from Francois Truffaut's "L'Argent de poche" and from Agnes Varga's "L'Une Chante, L'autre pas." (AM)

Although India's literacy rate has increased, the faster population growth has increased the nation's total illiteracy. The paper reviews differences in literacy rates among various regions and examines factors to explain this inequality, concluding that compulsory education for children is not enough and that adult literacy campaigns are vital.…

Proposes an approach to teaching reasoning through classroom conversation that integrates group work around computers into curriculum-related activities. The article examines research on collaborative learning and describes a program in which the computer is used to direct children's explicit, joint reasoning in curriculum-related activities. (79…

Discusses the role of the teacher when educational technology is used and provides a descriptive and interpretive account of the role of the teacher in a secondary school economics course in England that used a hypermedia program. Considers teachers' profiles, characteristics, and perceptions; and the constraints imposed by sociocultural settings.…

Examines questions raised by the Algebra Project relating to sociocultural contexts in which mathematical learning takes place and the contribution of social processes to the construction of mathematical knowledge. Finds that the project goal of improving minority student prospects in advanced mathematics and science is measurable and well worth…

A discussion of the values of single-sex vs. public schooling reviews relevant literature and reports on a study of subject choice among students in three public and two Catholic schools for girls in New South Wales (Australia). Extra-scholastic influences on outcomes, teacher and administrator influences, and strategies for change are discussed.…

Profiles rural single-parent father family through three case study surveys. Focuses on fathers' adaptation to change, their use of outsider resources, and specific needs. Suggests services be seen in context of common rural economic stress. Suggests approaches and social services for these and other rural families. (TES)

Provides six themes identified by historians and master teachers that should be the goal of any history study. Suggests ways to develop each theme and offers helpful appropriate resource materials. Stresses building historical understanding and empathy for past times and peoples in young learners. (CH)