Oppositional feminist ethnography does have something to offer those in adult education. Because adult educators adhere to a mission of social justice, concern over issues of power, knowledge construction, positionality, identity, and voice have become more prevalent. Although discourses dealing with equity are increasing, those in the field still…

For more than a decade, many researchers and practitioners have endorsed a "positive youth development" approach, which views adolescents as active contributors to their own development and as assets to their communities. As part of this shift, youth are increasingly being invited to engage in community governance. In youth…

The social, political, and economic history of Sweden's higher education is outlined from the perspective of various factions trying to maintain control. Decentralization of the traditional power structure and social and technological change pose a challenge for a new educational strategy and policy. (MSE)

Textbooks and children's literature tend to mirror society. A study was made of race and class bias in 32 children's novels about the American Revolution published between 1889 and 1976. The treatment of blacks, women, and lower-class groups not only reflects but also perpetuates bias. (JN)

Using recent data on gender differences in the characteristics and interests of school principals in the Netherlands, it is suggested that the underrepresentation of women in educational administration reflects women's greater orientation toward internal, teaching-related processes and men's greater interest in issues of power. The relationship…

Discusses the political developments in South Africa following the demise of apartheid and suggests ways to integrate this subject into the social studies curriculum. Examines the current obstacles and opportunities for the development of democracy in South Africa. Includes a series of teaching activities and related questions. (MJP)

Utilizes Uwe Poerksen's concept of "plastic words" to examine and criticize the preeminence given to research in art education. "Plastic words" refers to vague technical jargon that suggests meaning without actually providing it (e.g., development, process, goal-setting). Argues that this usage inherently corrupts and diverts any productive…

Compares two board members' educational philosophies and motivations, highlighting typical power struggles with patrons, teachers, and administrators. Both board members hold traditional educational values and a "back to basics" approach to curriculum development. Whereas Tom considers his unwillingness to compromise a positive…

Discusses the dynamic nature of the struggle between desire and discipline in an elementary school setting. Emphasizes that these competing forces and the ensuing struggle profoundly affect a child's secondary socialization. Findings reveal that even very young children acquiesce to and resist authority in many ways, learning complicated lessons…

Questions the ethical use of conflict mediation in situations where opposing parties with unequal power address social or institutional injustice, examining informal aspects of teaching and learning that occur when those with unequal power struggle for equal opportunity in public schools. Presents examples from an urban elementary school. (SM)

Market dynamics have always shaped our institutions. Now the dynamics have changed, and the hierarchical organization is giving way to a new organizational model based on fulfilling human potential through networking, teamwork, diversity, full access to information, and flexible schedules. (Author/TE)

Inspired by idealistic beliefs in the state's benign, just nature, women seeking to influence public policies on gender issues have tended to rely on gentle persuasion. Similarly, feminists have failed to realize the true importance of schools as the state's ideological agents supporting the status quo and requiring major transformation of power…

This paper discusses theoretical issues surrounding the creation of new departments at universities and presents a case study of how the Institute for Media and Communication at Oslo University (Norway) was created. It examines the effects of status, resource allocation, and power relations on the creation of university departments. (MDM)

This article addresses issues of multicultural education and feminist pedagogy in the context of knowledge and its transmission, self-understanding, cultural and individual beliefs, and transformation of the teacher and the college curriculum. (DB)

Reports results of research on the effects of open education on student outcomes, using classroom authority structure analysis. Maintains that student outcomes are contingent on the congruence between formal and informal authority structure. Concludes that more congruent authority structure was related to higher reading comprehension and…