A group of 20 British-born Chinese children aged 12 to 14 were examined in terms of ability to use their mother tongue and of social network structures. One finding is that, to make community language education more effective, parents and children should be brought closer together socially. (Contains 46 references.) (Author/LB)

Study examined how generalized patterns of social network ties influenced personal choices for leisure behavior. Researchers interviewed 44 people in a small Washington town regarding their participation in 25 outdoor recreation activities, weekly leisure pursuits, and interpersonal relationships. Results suggest network relationships facilitate…

This research demonstrated a social network intervention for youths with moderate and severe disabilities. Two groups of nondisabled peers participated in weekly discussions with an adult integration facilitator to increase social interaction for two students (one autistic and one moderately mentally retarded). Both quantity and quality of…

Studies children's social networks, interpersonal concerns, and help-seeking behavior as functions of gender, school performance, and economic status. Shows significant differences based on all three independent variables, with the most negative results demonstrated by economically disadvantaged boys. Discusses various strategies to counteract the…

Examined the informal care networks of 242 impaired older people in terms of primary caregiver and secondary helpers. Most primary caregivers had at least 1 secondary helper; 88% had hands-on help, 19% had financial contributions, and 44% of helpers were involved in care decisions. (JBJ)

Survey data were collected on the life experiences and status of 388 young adults with disabilities out of school for 1 to 5 years. Results support a 7-factor model of community adjustment: personal satisfaction, employment-economic integration, community assimilation, need for support services, recreation-leisure integration, social network…

This study investigated how communities limit teenage childbearing among Latinas, despite high rates of poverty. Data from documents and 167 interviews in eight California communities with low or high birthrates for Latinas aged 15-17 found that communities with low adolescent birthrates had more Latino residents, stronger social networks, and…

Thirty-eight American and 40 Korean mothers of children with mental retardation participated in home-visit interviews concerning types of informal and professional social support received. Results showed American mothers received more informal and professional support in almost all domains of social support. Korean mothers experienced more stress.…

Qualitative narrative inquiry was used to explore identity formation in four gifted college students with learning disabilities. Themes that resulted fell under 2 categories: contextual and personal. Contextual themes that emerged included support systems and involvement in extracurricular activities. Personal themes included self-knowledge,…

This article addresses various methods of assessment and support of social competence in school and the community to prepare individuals with mild to moderate disabilities for adulthood. It emphasizes that transition planning and preparation is a continual process that begins in early school experiences and continues through adulthood. (Contains…

In this paper we focus on mechanisms of coordination in agricultural contracts. Our approach is intended to advance understanding of social relations of production and distribution of power in agrofood systems. Through an analysis of contracts between farmers and intermediaries (e.g., processors, shippers, consignment agents) for California fruits…

Designing a professional development system for parent educators requires weaving together multiple pieces from within the network of organizations providing parenting education. North Carolina examined how to build a system using the influence of evidence-based programs as well as professional credentialing for parenting educators. A system built…

Background: Depressive disorders in adolescents are a widespread and increasing problem. Prevention seems a promising and feasible approach. Methods: We designed a cognitive-behavioral school-based universal primary prevention program and followed 347 eighth-grade students participating in a randomized controlled trial for three months. Results:…

Religious communities have an obvious interest in passing on their beliefs and practices to future generations. Many traditional churches, however, report major difficulties in retaining the interest and involvement of adolescents. This study seeks to explore attitudes to a key indicator of traditional practice, church attendance, amongst…

Analyzing the activity of a group of students involved in an online university course with a simulation environment, this article considers and problematizes the idea of online community and its relations to learning. The analysis builds upon Dewey's conception of organic community and related perspectives. In valuing "joint action," such…