Changes in homelessness since the 1950s and 1960s involve increasing numbers of homeless persons, striking differences in their composition, and marked deterioration in their condition. Beyond similarly high levels of mental illness and substance abuse, the new homeless are younger, poorer, often shelterless, and include more minorities, women,…

Explores the role of sociologists in identifying social problems in the context of teaching. Analyzes the content of 51 college-level social problems textbooks by focusing on their treatment of war. Offers empirical data concerning the role of sociologists as definers of social problems. Notes implications for the discipline. Bibliography of…

Reviews the social responsibilities traditionally recognized as directly related to librarianship and explores the question of whether librarians should take positions on broader social issues. Arguments on both sides are presented and some of the philosophical and professional concerns that should be addressed are discussed. (20 references) (CLB)

Discusses two approaches to preparing students to deal with science-related social issues. Describes the investigative skill approach that allows students to critically examine important issues. Offers information concerning the case study approach that involves a teacher directed investigation. Notes that the investigative skills approach is more…

Results are reported from a national survey of teenaged youth on their attitudes toward a variety of health related issues. Topics covered were Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome; sexually transmitted diseases, violence, suicide, injury prevention, drug abuse, nutrition, and consumer education. (JD)

The benefits of recess are examined. Observation of recess and playground behavior provides insight into children's social adjustment and competencies. (SI)

Presents two viewpoints on the economics of the tobacco industry and cigarette smoking. The industry has been rated as outstanding in economic performance by the U.S. Department of Commerce. However, the debilitating effects of smoking have imposed costs on society in terms of lives and money. Questions whether decisions about smoking should be…

Explores the relationship between the 1988 presidential elections in the United States and the Catholic Church's teachings on social justice, offering suggestions on class activities to encourage students to examine the positions of the candidates and their own views. (DMM)

This essay reviews the last two decades in the field of child abuse and neglect and notes progress in societal attitudes. It urges making the case against hitting children and suggests the use of scientific evidence, personal testimony, and demonstration of "a better way." Major issues of language and the setting of standards in caregiving are…

Historically, racism has been given as an ideological, political, social, and economic justification by one group to exploit others. Suggests that we tend to underestimate the extent of personal and institutional racism by neglecting "unintentional racism" and by presuming that scientific objectivity will protect us from being racist.…

Argues that ageism fosters oppressive social relations directed at, and constructed in, images of the aged body. Researchers must sensitize themselves to historical and geographical variations of ageism, should focus on the contested nature of the aged body and associated identities, and must reject attempts at universalizing scholarship. (RJM)

Contends that no issue has captured more forcefully the attention of the public than the increasing presence of weapons on school campuses. Discusses prevention and intervention strategies that show promise in stemming this national crisis. Includes a chart with both long- and short-term strategies for teachers and administrators. (CFR)

Daniel Patrick Moynihan looks back on the Moynihan Report of 30 years ago and describes the transformation of American society it heralded. As the number of nonmarital births rises among persons of all races, a change from social organization derived from the family is increasingly apparent. (SLD)

Argues that to understand today's homeless crisis one must examine the policy decisions that brought it about. The paper explores that policy history, explains how it resulted in the series of dramatic demographic changes that have changed the nature of homelessness today, and suggests a comprehensive approach to lifting families out of…

A narration of teaching experiences in an inner-city school in California is the basis for a proposed democratic educational platform that suggests ways to move beyond the despair and frustration of inner-city teaching without losing sight of the painful realities. Implications for teacher education are discussed. (SLD)