Noting that the southern region of the United States is challenged by some of the most difficult and entrenched economic, health, and social problems that place children at risk, this chartbook presents information on indicators of the current status of children and families in the South and contrasts conditions in the South with those in other…

The early onset of disability (at birth through young adulthood) can affect a person's employment outcomes in myriad ways. In addition to the direct effect of disability on employment, early onset of disability likely affects the acquisition of education and job skills (human capital). This reduced "investment" in human capital in turn may reduce…

The relationship between high academic achievement and personal characteristics is fraught with myths. Three studies examined this relationship in academic high achievers (AHA). Study 1 participants were 529 of 850 members of the New York Phi Beta Kappa (72 percent return) responding to a 1979 mail questionnaire. Study 2 participants were 414 Phi…

This book examines family traditions of over two centuries in the United States and finds a complicated process of change in the way Americans have celebrated holidays such as Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, Passover, and Chinese New Year as well as the life cycle rituals of birth, birthdays, coming of age, marriage, and death. The book notes…

Given women's impact on resource management and consumption, we must improve our understanding of women's role in sustainable development. Women must be involved in sustainable development planning. This article examines the role of women as land stewards, and the effects of education of women on population growth in developing nations. Includes…

Reviews "The Truly Disadvantaged: The Inner City, the Underclass, and Public Policy," by William Julius Wilson. Criticizes Wilson's analysis of the rising number of out-of-wedlock births and female-headed households among Blacks. (FMW)

Examined health and social factors associated with early grade retention. Factors found to be independently associated with increased risk of grade retention were: (1) poverty, (2) male gender, (3) low maternal education, (4) deafness, (5) speech defects, (6) low birth weight, (7) enuresis, and (8) exposure to household smoking. (HTH)

Conventional explanations attributing the high infant mortality rate in United States to the prevalence of poverty and lack of adequate health care do not tell the whole story. Contributions of parental behavior, lifestyles, and public health care availability versus utilization must be examined in determining public policies to address the…

Discusses ways for early childhood professionals to meet the objectives contained in the first of the National Education Goals for the Year 2000: the goal concerning readiness for school. (BB)

Comments on "The Timing of a First Birth and High School Completion" (Dawn M. Upchurch and James McCarthy) (1990). In considering relationships between adolescent childbearing and completion of high school, Upchurch and McCarthy misinterpret socioeconomic data. Their conclusion that young mothers are no less likely to graduate from high school is…

The Miscellaneous Studies section of the proceedings contains the following 16 papers: "Mickey Mouse and Bugs Bunny: Iconography of Two Corporate Stars" (William A. Mikulak); "We Know Who You Are: A Niche Communications Explication and Model" (Jana Frederick-Collins); "The Ways They Get Their Stories: Is Utilitarianism the…

People classified as "cultural familial retarded" form a segment of the U.S. population that is easily overlooked by society, yet constitutes a growing problem. Individuals with this inherited form of mental retardation (estimated to number in excess of 5 million) are reared in a culturally inferior milieu and have a need for life-long social…

With relatively high fertility and growing legal and illegal immigration, the United States' Hispanic population increased by 265% from an estimated 4 million in 1950 to 14.6 million (6.4% of the total population counted in the 1980 census). Hispanics consist of Mexican Americans (60% of the total), concentrated in the Southwest; Puerto Ricans…

Demographic and economic characteristics of Spanish Americans in North Dakota in 1980 are presented, using data from the Bureau of the Census. Statistics show 3,902 Spanish Americans were living in North Dakota (0.6% of the state's population): 59.4% were Mexican; 6.3% Puerto Rican, 1.5% Cuban, and 32.8% of other Spanish descent, with more males…

Based on a survey of written sources and perspectives of knowledgeable individuals, the report provides information on women's economic roles in Cameroon, and on aspects of social life which effect their economic performance. A description of the importance of traditional social systems and their evolution over the last 30 years follows a brief…