Investigates the pragmatic input of parents and the ways it contributes to preschoolers' acquisition of pragmatic competence (the appropriate use of language in social situations). Analyzes audiotapes of five families' interactions over a one-year period. Discusses results of research and offers insight into preschoolers' growth in pragmatic…

Three theories of commitment were tested by surveying 92 nursing students 3 times during their first year. The social exchange approach and unmet expectations about nursing careers influenced commitment during the latter eight months. The circumstances surrounding the decision to enter nurse training (behavioral approach) predicted commitment only…

The role that talk plays in socialization, social development, and possibly cognitive development is described. Research on talk is categorized as follows: studies that consider talk as a tool for investigation; studies that focus on development of grammar or language acquisition; and studies that fall between those extremes. (LB)

Responds to Maccoby's and Hinde's commentaries on the Belsky, et al. article in this issue. Highlights several points of concurrence and disagreement. Draws attention to the potential benefits of asking questions about proximal and ultimate causation simultaneously and, thus, the need for child developmentalists to think about both the how and why…

A school community is a collection of people affiliated with a school who have identified shared educational values and associate with one another to act upon those values. School-related social capital has decreased because parents whose children attend a school do not necessarily associate. Tips for strengthening school community are provided.…

Examined relations of maternal characteristics and child-rearing practices and children's vicarious emotional responses to kindergartners' and third graders' comforting of a crying infant. Found that children's emotional states were related to their comforting behavior, and girls' comforting and helping behaviors were related to several maternal…

Mothers of toddlers and preschoolers reported rules for everyday behaviors and noted their child's level of compliance. Results showed (1) commonalities among mothers in the network of rules being socialized; (2) high child compliance in situations involving rules for safety and other's possessions; and (3) an age-related movement from external…

Reviews the articles appearing in this issue. Points out the relationship between justice and tolerance for minority groups and citizenship education. Cautions against government use of education to discourage critical reflection on societal issues. (CFR)

Swedish study followed students from childhood to adulthood, examining the importance of schooling experiences for socialization into the teaching profession. Of 671 students, 34 became teachers. During elementary school, future teachers were well-adjusted overachievers. As adults, their perspectives of schooling were similar to those predominant…

Gender-differential socialization within/across the home, school, and informal youth association were examined using self-reports of 220 Israeli adolescents in grades 8-10. Three components of socialization arenas--openness, control, and deviation--were delineated. The deviation of boys was a stronger and more sensitive function of openness and…

Discusses Afrocentricity in education and its potential benefit to both Black and White youth. Schools do not sufficiently cover slavery and its aftermath; many Whites are unaware of African American culture and contributions. An Afrocentric formation would also foster academic success among Black youth. (DM)

Leader-succession research is refocused on its interactive roots whereas the advances of recent succession inquiry are explored in this synthesis of the literature. The approach capitalizes on efforts to understand leader-succession research from a multidimensional and social viewpoint. Organizational socialization is used to frame the discussion.…

Examined possible role of educational experience in political socialization by comparing political attitudes of girls (n=127) from similar family backgrounds attending either private or state schools. Found significant differences in political attitudes between two samples. Results led to formation of model of role of school in political…

Extensive interviews with 24 married Chicana workers with children examined socialization to work in family of origin, early employment, educational attainment, and familial and employment factors influencing levels of work commitment and work identity. Professional, clerical, and blue-collar workers all had strong work commitment but differed in…

Reports on a study in which 19 doctoral students were interviewed regarding their own self-esteem and their attitudes toward undergraduate student and professors. Finds differences between precandidate and candidate graduate students in all three areas. Asserts that these differences are evidence that doctoral programs encourage a shift away from…