Present psychological terminology facilitates biologically determinist models of sex differences, making it less likely that environmental sources of such differences will be explored. The term "gender," rather than "sex," should be used for those characteristics socioculturally considered appropriate to males and females.…

Analyzes sociocultural transnational linkages among Colombian, Dominican, and Salvadoran immigrants in the United States, emphasizing the importance of comparative analysis. Survey data indicate that participation in any particular transnational activity is low, but participation over all the different forms of transnational practices is…

Argues for a more holistic approach of studying ICT (information and communication technology) in schools by adopting a sociocultural perspective. Proposes a theoretical framework based on activity theory and describes the development of a research agenda for the study of ICT in Singapore schools. (Author/LRW)

Understanding the work of international organizations requires an understanding of the relationship between language and culture, a relationship evident in the activities of the international organizations. This relationship is partly responsible for the negative image of such organizations. Research in the sociology of international organizations…

Considers educational technology in the context of the political and ethical nature of schooling, including the official discourse of schooling, social justice, and community; the contradictions and uncertainties of schooling based on postmodernism and modernist thinking; and a sociocultural perspective of schooling. (Contains 11 references.) (LRW)

After conducting a survey to obtain a personality profile and descriptive analysis of a typical substance abuser enrolled in a treatment center, the average individual is a third-born, 31 year-old male with nonprofessional parents who became involved in substance abuse because of peer influence and feelings of boredom or unhappiness. (JPS)

Describes briefly the condition of the nation's forests and the rise of the concept of sustainable forestry. Contains the views of a cadre of experts on forestry lessons learned so far in the quest to make forestlands sustainable. (LZ)

Relates the history of credit cards, their evolution to current forms, and innovations (debit cards, token cards, smart cards). Considers their sociocultural impact. Provides a design brief, including objectives, resources, evaluation criteria, outcomes, and a quiz. (SK)

Suggests that Margaret Mead's distinctions among three kinds of culture--here referred to as "traditional,""transitional," and "learning"--are useful in understanding the current controversy over how much the Western tradition should be emphasized in the curriculum. (EVL)

Numeracy involves a set of social practices situated within a particular culture and ideology. The concept has implications for definition of math standards. A social practice approach to adult numeracy in South Africa is recommended. (SK)

Examines the place of the body in the dress-reform movement, a social movement that focused on fashion as a vehicle for achieving social and political equality. Discusses how fashion became one arena in which definitions of gender were contested. Suggests the dress-reform movement's failure in redefining femininity indicates the depth of…

Develops a new framework for career exploration research based on four perspectives: the identity formation process, human motivation and self-determination, sociocultural context, and historical context. Proposes a research agenda. (SK)

A comparative analysis of defined benefit pension plans that were more common before 1980s and the defined contribution plans is presented. It is observed that defined benefit pension plans offered age related incentives thereby encouraging people to retire earlier. In contrast, defined contribution plans encourage people to continue with jobs…

The primary objective of the present study was to investigate the relationship between language proficiency and socio-cultural factors among the Iranian MA students registered and entered at Shiraz University in 2008. The second objective was to explore whether or not one or a combination of socio-cultural factors are predictors of language…

In contrast to current education policies that conceptualize pupil learning largely in terms of standardized exam scores, we offer an alternative view, one that conceives of pupil learning as a source of insight for pupils and teachers alike. Drawing on survey data and a qualitative study of the teacher candidate experience, we explore the…