Qualitative case studies of graduate students, focusing on student socialization, are critical for understanding the student experience. Because of the departmental nature of graduate study, cross-departmental studies may be not be as revealing. The qualitative case study approach is particularly useful in examining minority student experiences.…

The significance of ethnicity in the development of self-concept is addressed in an article that focuses on African-American children. Topics include the transmission of cultural values through oral tradition, the proverb tradition in the socialization of African-American children, and implications for parents and early childhood teachers. (GLR)

Describes textbooks of both East and West Germany from 1949-56, 1957-62, 1963-69, and 1970 on. Discusses a shift in West German texts from intense antagonism during the Cold War to a more critical comparison by the 1980s. Compares East German text development that increased in hostility over time, viewing West Germany as a negative alternative to…

Research findings and theories regarding adolescent contraceptive use are reviewed to propose an alternative framework relying on social learning theory. Environmental context, cognitive influences, and behavior execution constraints are suggested as the foundation for contraceptive behaviors. The behavioral skills teenagers need to use birth…

Adaptive behavior in mentally retarded males with fragile X syndrome was longitudinally examined in 17 subjects, ages 1 to 17. Findings included relative strength in daily living skills and weakness in socialization only for older subjects, and significant declines in adaptive behavior scores from first to second testing for the older subjects.…

Describes features of organized camping that are conducive to social learning, including the continuity and variety of the camping experience; planned, goal-oriented experiences; qualified adult leadership; and the informal atmosphere of camping. Stresses the role of small-group experiences as the most important aspect of camplife and social…

Discusses Romanian population policies under Ceaucescu, which penalized single people and couples without children, rewarded large families, prohibited abortion. Contrasts with new policies implemented after his fall that reinstated individual liberties but sought to promote through education parental responsibility, safe sex, environmental…

Interviews with 27 Korean university faculty members who had been graduate students abroad investigated their experiences as foreign graduate students, socialization to the professoriate, and attitudes about preparation for academic careers. Two themes emerged: (1) Westernized expectations concerning teaching and research, and (2) emphasis placed…

Presents an overview of the research literature concerning the significance of adolescent friendship. Topics addressed are (1) the ubiquity of friendships; (2) friendship stability; (3) conditions of friendship, such as reciprocity, commitment, and equality; (4) similarities among friends; and (5) social and emotional development fostered by…

The emergence of conservative activists among African-American intellectuals in the past decade represents a new leadership stratum among African Americans. The movement is explored, and it is argued that the new African-American conservatism does not represent the sort of natural constituency that old forms of African-American conservatism…

A literature review uncovered three themes on women's psychosocial development: diverse and nonlinear patterns, importance of intimacy and identity, and centrality of relationships and connectedness to others. The review assessed the applicability of existing developmental models to women and identified alternative designs and methods needed to…

Summarizes an exploratory study to identify administrative stress and socialization variables that affect the attitudes and performance of new and experienced urban principals. The study found that new and experienced principals possessed remarkably similar attitudes and that experienced principals perceive greater role conflict than do new…

Examined similarities in sex-role conflict between female athletes and alcoholic women. Findings showed female athletes and female alcoholics (N=60) similar to each other and different from controls (N=30) along dimensions of sex-role conflict. Discusses findings relative to female athletes' susceptibility to alcoholism. (Author/PVV)

This study found that 16 preschoolers with Down's syndrome attained higher age equivalents and standard scores in "socialization" than did 16 preschoolers with autism. Adaptive age equivalent was positively related to chronological age for children with Down's syndrome in all domains, but only in "communication" for children with autism.…

This paper explores the relationship of personal and family factors to three types of achievement in a sample of 172 African-American and 105 Euro-American women. Results are presented based on questionnaires that assessed gender role attitudes, daydream achievement (Ach), daydream affiliation (Aff), n Ach and n Aff, and demographic profiles. (GLR)