Analysis of data on socioeconomic and demographic well-being in 77 Chicago (Illinois) community areas found a strong relationship between socioeconomic and demographic factors and child maltreatment rates. Pairing of socioeconomically similar areas with contrasting patterns of child maltreatment revealed greater social disorganization in high-risk…

Discusses the nature of ethnographic work, particularly in relation to the study of deafness. The kinds of information presented in ethnographies is explored, as are ethnography's limitations. Problems of and strategies for doing ethnographic research and writing ethnographies about deaf communities are explored. (20 references) (JL)

Part of the Mississippian culture, which featured the construction of large earthen mounds, Etowah (in northwest Georgia) was a major ceremonial center. Based on excavations and Creek and Choctaw oral traditions, daily life in this village is portrayed, including social structure, clothing, ornaments, ceremonies, burial practices, and warfare.…

Reviews the major points of the enculturation and developmental perspectives of becoming literate. Argues that it is time to consider culture and development together. Proposes the concept of "youth genre" as a basis for a developmentally sensitive sociocultural theory of literacy. (RS)

The competitiveness of Japanese industry is in part because of their quality circles. Despite the West's interest in most Japanese business practices, quality circles have been difficult to transplant. This may be a result of misconceptions about their nature and the erroneous idea that workers' motivation is sociocultural, whereas in fact it is…

Discusses the origins of multicultural education from the perspective of cultural epistemology, contending that at issue in the debate over multicultural education is the challenge of paradigmatic shifts in understanding multicultural society and multiculturalism as sociopolitical constructs. (SLD)

Argues that understandings of pedagogy which are grounded in the hermeneutic psychology offered by Vygotskian theory can enhance teachers' professionalism and inform a pedagogy for the new knowledge, describing sociocultural methodology in research on pedagogy and exploring what a sociocultural and activity theory interpretative take on pedagogy…

Presents a conceptual model of relationships among variables to guide the design of research in technology-mediated learning environments based on sociocultural and constructivist principles, for framing questions and for generating hypotheses about the social dimensions of learning developments with influences from the cultural context. (Contains…

Explains methods used to teach beginning counselors four counselor responses (empowerment, decreasing power differential between client and counselor, taking a gender role perspective, and placing client issues in a sociocultural context) based on selected goals of feminist counseling. An evaluation of the approach demonstrated that counselors…

Examines the multiple voices of educational reform in the discourse of a third grade classroom community. Integrates the social and the individual as well as the past, present, and future in analysis of the discourse in this classroom community. Discusses implications for understanding one of the dilemmas of educational reform and advancing…

Defines "Discourse" as a conglomeration of "ways of behaving, interacting, valuing, thinking, believing, speaking, and often reading and writing" that marks membership in a group. Considers how some students'"Discourse" may conflict more than others comparing their home Discourse with their school Discourse. Presents three recently published books…

Describes Native American spirituality through the four basic cultural elements of Medicine, Harmony, Relation, and Vision. With these elements in mind, practical implications for counseling are offered concerning greeting, hospitality, silence, space, eye contact, intention, and collaboration. States that once a counselor has some understanding…

Discusses the implications of growing ethical issues in relation to the environment, new technologies, and scientific research. (Author/CCM)

The latest phenomenon among life-course transitions of early adulthood is the "return to the nest." Analysis of National Survey of Families and Households data links the increased likelihood of returning home to changes in leaving home: declining age and reasons other than marriage. The reason for leaving that increased returning home…

Examines current issues influencing the provision of early care and education for Singaporean children. Focuses on the increased need to encourage mothers to return to the workplace, to promote the early awareness of family values and national identity, and to prepare children adequately for primary school. (Author/KB)