The following two opposing models of the underclass are critically evaluated: (1) the culturally deficient model, which focuses on culture, family, or welfare; and (2) the opportunity structures in decline model, which focuses on employment, marriage, and community pattern changes. (JS)

This article discusses the reasons for poverty among children in both two-parent working poor families and single-parent families. (Author/YP)

The case for intergenerational programs based on political and moral imperatives is explored. From a political standpoint, organizations for the aging can benefit by demonstrating commitment to child welfare. From a moral standpoint, the organized aging community should provide leadership and support for general social betterment, advocating…

Examination of 55 socioeconomically disadvantaged children found no significant relationship between otitis media in early childhood and number of common phonological processes or consonants in error used during preschool years. However, otitis media in early childhood was associated with total number of phonological processes used by children…

Examines the financial impact of divorce on children and their families. The preponderance of evidence suggests that women and children experience substantial declines after divorce whereas the relative income of divorced men remains stable or increases. The impact of public assistance is also considered. (SLD)

Tested a conceptual model developed explaining the link between kinship support and the psychological well-being of economically disadvantaged African American families. Found that kinship social support to mothers or female guardians was positively associated with adolescent psychological well-being, maternal well-being, and more adequate…

Describes a multicultural literacy project that has been successfully implemented in three school districts in southeastern Michigan and explains the hypertext materials that enhance it. Highlights include the needs of minority and economically deprived students; examples of screens; and implications of using hypertext materials to support…

Presents responses from local health officers in 237 northeastern and midwestern small to medium-sized cities about their priorities for promoting health through prevention. Improving HIV and AIDS prevention, improving maternal and infant health, reducing sexually transmitted diseases, reducing violence and abusive behavior, and increasing…

Describes two ways in which substance abuse is related to violence: trade in drugs and being under the influence of drugs. The paper argues that reducing the demand for drugs by eliminating the market for them will bring about a reciprocal reduction in substance abuse-related violence. (GR)

Discusses a comprehensive, youth-violence-prevention program in New York City called The Door--A Center of Alternatives. This holistic program addresses the root causes of youth violence such as alienation and lack of empowerment. The Door provides life-skills training and services related to the consequences of poverty, unemployment, low levels…

Data from the Job Training Partnership Act's Title II-A program indicate that training outcomes, training costs, and per capita availability of funding are better in rural than urban areas. Despite limitations in technical infrastructure, rural programs have the advantages of less "difficult" clientele and lower program salaries.…

Reviews the important relationship between end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and hypertension for African Americans; and considers issues associated with ESRD and the subsequent need for kidney transplants, including organ availability. Individual and societal implications of these diseases are discussed. (SLD)

Examines several state supreme court cases that bear on school finance litigation in Illinois. Suggests that the Illinois plaintiffs have an opportunity to establish a new litigation strategy. When school finance schemes are challenged on the basis of educational quality, courts have the opportunity to define a basic standard of education that…

This article argues that there is a pervasive class bias in law schools and that efforts to improve law school faculty diversity should include recruitment of faculty from working-class backgrounds. (DB)

Discusses nineteenth-century U.S. efforts to educate poor children. Describes educational expansion during the period, which included monitorial charity schools, Sunday schools, and infant schools. Reviews antebellum perspectives on poverty and education. Examines school attendance in 1860 and the relationship between education and social…