The high level of college admission of women in Japan is analyzed relative to changes in social and educational values, continuing evidence of gender tracking, persistent doubts regarding "appropriateness" of higher education for women, employment opportunities and related national legislation, and values held by Japanese women…

Reports on a survey of Minnesota's African-American community college faculty concerning their own employment situations and the reasons why the recruitment and retention of African-American faculty have not been successful overall despite two decades of affirmative action. Looks at social and psychological barriers to increasing diversity, and…

Argues that, through education, we can create a democratic culture and that, within a democratic culture, education may flourish. Locates the roots of this belief in the rebelliousness and critical mind set of the Enlightenment. Considers how to honor and extend this thinking in current educational practices. (MJP)

Examines changes in the positions and concerns of South African sociologists of education as they move from an oppositional status to a more ambiguous space. These sociologists now face the prospect of choosing between criticism and reconstructive efforts. Reviews themes and issues related to this conflict. (MJP)

Describes a multimethod study of the perceptions of master's students in student affairs programs. Focused on self-reported, descriptive information about students' backgrounds, behaviors, skills, knowledge and comfort level concerning women, people of color, and gays, lesbians, or bisexuals. Also includes students' perceptions of the graduate…

Provides a concise and fascinating overview of the historical development of international efforts responding to incidents of atrocities and oppression. Traces this humanitarian impulse from the mid-19th century, through the League of Nations, to the current United Nations. Considers the limitations and potentialities of current endeavors. (MJP)

Contends that, although the history of the American west has always illustrated cultural diversity, the significant role of women has not received sufficient attention. Discusses the role of women, including American Indian women, in the European conquest and settlement of the western areas of the United States. (CFR)

Asserts that Russian society and Russian schools are going through a profound crisis. Maintains that the best approach to solving social and educational problems is to restore and develop national principles and group cohesion. Criticizes the United States and Japanese educational systems and calls for Russia to follow its own path. (CFR)

Reports on the social orientation and educational plans of 1,630 Russian ninth-graders in 21 urban areas. Asserts that family differences have a significant influence on students' future educational plans. Students hold knowledge and science in less esteem because of the recent declining income of college graduates. (CFR)

Reports on an action research study on improving equality of opportunity for students in a socially and racially mixed classroom. Finds that students were empowered by their involvement setting up and drawing conclusions from the study. Questions the extent to which research should focus on race, social class, or gender. (CFR)

Discusses the development of adolescent peer groups, student cultures, school violence, and effective interventions. Contends that the likelihood of violence increases when mediation boards and peer counseling are unavailable or ineffective. Includes a bibliography of 12 teacher resources on school violence. (CFR)

Maintains that, because of its importance in modern U.S. history, over 300 college courses are taught on the Vietnam War. Asserts that studying the war helps students develop critical thinking skills needed for citizenship. Describes the texts, formats, and assignments used in a college sociology course on the Vietnam War. (CFR)

Reports on a reevaluation study of the effects of high school vocational education on students' odds of being unemployed and students' occupational attainment. Finds that vocational education inhibits the likelihood of attending college and finding subsequent professional/managerial employment, but reduces the risk of unemployment. (CFR)

Maintains that, in many African nations, the structure of educational institutions remains determined largely by colonial foundations. Discusses educational history in Zimbabwe from the 1920s until 1987. Contends the most significant feature of Zimbabwe's educational system has been continuous and rapid sociopolitical change. (CFR)

Discusses concepts of social agency, cultural mediation, and constitutive action for understanding inequality in schools. Describes the sociolinguistic argument about the structure of language, the interpretive school, and the demands of capitalism. Urges transcending the macro-micro or structure-agency dualism by demonstrating the situated…