Discusses the fundamental aspects of verbal communication and analyzes its functions in terms of social needs. Takes an historical perspective to distinguish different levels of social development characterized by different communication requirements and stages of language evolution. From these premises, it argues for a sociocultural approach to…

Reviews the status of children and the law historically and in modern society. The interaction of the child and parent with social institutions such as the library is discussed, and specific questions are raised for librarians to consider in providing service to children. Bibliography is provided. (BK)

The author draws attention to the closed network of social settings in India which have built-in devices to frustrate any advance for interview or conversation. He maintains that adult education does not mean teaching the mother tongue, but teaching a philosophy of change and structural reconstruction through the mother tongue. (Author/ CT)

Arguments for the development of the cross-cultural comparative sociological study of sport and physical activity are presented. (JMF)

Challenges the hypothesis that different linguistic codes are specifically related to different social groups, observing that children's language usage shows qualitative differences determined by the situations they face rather than by their sociocultural background. Supports this observation with an analysis of children's attempts to explain the…

Maintains that the works of popular culture present a means of understanding the philosophy of the times and function as tools for identifying and perpetuating the world that they reflect. (FL)

The development of the American system of school athletics from the time of the Puritans to the present day is discussed, and the social ramifications of our contemporary sports culture are considered. (LH)

Challenges the view that the social sciences are theoretically impoverished disciplines when compared with the natural sciences. Demonstrates that the synthesis of an abstract Darwinian model of systemic adaptation and the behavioral principles of social learning produces a logical theory of sociocultural evolution. (DB)

Considers various social trends and how these trends combine to change the fabric of our social system. Discusses the role of mental health education in informing specific target groups as well as six general areas mental health education programs should be channelled to create a greater sense of community. (Author/RK)

A study examined the everyday family life of six Australian parent couples with intellectual disabilities. Results indicate that much of what the parents knew about parenting came from their childhood memories or family traditions, followed the example set by other family members, and reflected lessons learned from daily parenting practice. (CR)

Examines, through a genre-based comparison, the cross-cultural differences between book blurbs of international publishers and local Singapore-based publishers. Endeavors to demonstrate that genres are socioculturally dependent communicative events whose success depends, in part, upon their pragmatic value in a specific business/professional…

Discusses the integral role of Vodou in the daily life and cultural identity of Haitians. Examines Vodou's beliefs and world view, importance of community and the collective self, instructional strategies for transmission of religious values and moral principles, roles of teachers and learners, and evaluation of learner progress. (SV)

Emerging research evidence of an approach to learning that combines memorization and comprehension, particularly from Asia, is examined and possible explanations for it are discussed. It is proposed that this approach may explain the apparent paradox of high achievement is Asian cultures, where rote learning in stressed. (Author/MSE)

Examines the prevalence of cohabitation, trends in cohabitation between 1960 and 1990, and the conditions leading older persons to cohabit. Variables measuring individual characteristics, economic motivations, and the social context are used to predict cohabitation. Presents results, and discusses implications for the future as cohorts with…

Explores the development of human services in one country by examining international trends and national patterns. Considers intellectual and practice influences upon current human services and discusses event and trends within the context of human services history. Claims that historical understanding may help human service professionals better…