Provides an overview of Canadian poverty in its biological, geographical, ecological, demographic, structural, psychological, cultural, and social dimensions, and suggests relevant references. (JM)

Traditional society, viewed as static with little differentiation or specialization as well as low levels of urbanization and literacy, and modern society, characterized as having thorough differentiation, urbanization, literacy, and exposure to mass media, are examined in situations of change as different models of social and political order…

Proposes that there are in the Western Hemisphere at least three examples of societies where the problems of race, color, and prejudice have essentially been solved through the operation of social mechanisms of three different types: Brazil, Jamaica, and Mexico. (Author/JM)

Seeks to explain the strong persistence in patterns of staff contact in a high school, between the spring of one academic year and the fall of the next, despite a 50 percent turnover of personnel in the interim. (DE)

Presents a selected review of Habermas'"Theory of Communicative Action." The theorist's model of action rationality and concept of the "life world" are discussed, and an approach is suggested linking Habermas's substantive theory to psychological-developmental dimensions. (Author/RH)

Over the past ten years, the inferior social status of musicians in several Asian countries has improved. The social history and contemporary status of musicians and the impact of the mass media on the social role of music in Asian countries are described. (AM)

We must recognize that literacy is a serious problem in the American population but, at the same time, reject the notion that the problem may be met by programs such as the Back to Basics movement that eschew critical thinking. (Author/GC)

Examined data on suicide rates for males age 20 to 64 by occupation and industry for 1950. Results indicated variations in suicide are related to changes in the size of the group from which significant others are selected. Conclusions support a structural change approach to suicide. (Author)

The author discusses ritual as a process of creating social frameworks through the mobilization of communal sentiment and purpose. He presents a case study in which the ritual process was applied by an external change agent to develop social partnerships and local support for the establishment of a community center. (SK)

A social-psychological and historical context for understanding contemporary sex roles, fertility, parenting, and the family is provided by reviewing origins and objectives of the women's movement; feminist efforts to change social structures affecting women's choice of roles and fertility require continued attention. (Author)