Themes in research on African-American families between 1939 and 1989 are discussed, and the following recently developed themes are highlighted: (1) stress, (2) aging, (3) adoption, (4) prison, (5) polygamy, and (6) violence. Much more research is needed to provide better understanding of the African-American family. (SLD)

Describes the evolution of feminist critical theory from a study of individuals' roles to the study of the interplay between gender relations and the institutional contexts within which they take shape. Surveys the writing of feminist theorists covering institutions, decision-making processes, cultural symbols, and everyday practices. (DK)

The profession of academic economics consists of white males, which some say also reflects how undergraduate economics is taught. Chronic distortions, omissions, and stereotypes in textbooks and by professors in instruction are blamed for hindering the progress of women and minorities in the profession. Changes in curriculum design are…

Examines organized camping in possible (based on personal vision), probable (based on societal changes), and preferable futures. Six "megatrends" or societal trends provide a structure for analyzing the probable future of organized camping, including environmental issues, the redefinition of individual and societal roles, leadership and…

Examines the emergence and evolution of global concerns in recent decades and the particular interrelationships between population and environmental concerns. Considers the potential for population geography, with its emphasis on a wide range of spatial and temporal scales, cultures, economies, politics, and environments, to link population and…

A questionnaire surveyed how multilingual speakers in Singapore express their social identities through language, how they relate to their language, and how they perceive the various English accents to which they are exposed. Respondents related more to the local Singapore accent than to British or American English. Implications for the…

The history of reading is a fast growing and controversial area of the emerging field of book history. Methods for researching the evolution and patterns of literacy and of reading habits are not yet established, and knowledge of information sources is still limited. (MSE)

Reviews recent demographic changes in the United States and projections for the future. Suggests that the response to the new diversity can emphasize either assimilation or cultural pluralism and cultural transformation. Introduces eight articles in which anthropologists take a strong position in favor of the latter course. (EVL)

Content analysis of 325 case records resulted in the identification of 7 main child care arrangements in which sexual abuse occurred, varying by the routinization and formality of the caregiving relationships, methods of caregiver selection, and reimbursement. Differing characteristics of female and male perpetrators were identified. (BRM)

Efforts to revolutionize the child welfare system must consider social trends and forces. Encouraging trends that child welfare reformers might be able to harness include biotechnology, availability of medical care, gender equality, awareness of parenting skills, and service sector growth. Discouraging trends include increasing rate of divorce and…

Extensive interviews with 24 married Chicana workers with children examined socialization to work in family of origin, early employment, educational attainment, and familial and employment factors influencing levels of work commitment and work identity. Professional, clerical, and blue-collar workers all had strong work commitment but differed in…

Describes the theoretical orientations that frame current understanding about the development of self and the social processes that may shape it. Components of the self are discussed, and current thinking about their development in infancy and toddlerhood is described. The role of temperament is also addressed. (Author/CR)

Reflects on issues presented in C. Dudley-Marling and S. Murphy's critique of Reading Recovery, published in this journal's March 1997 issue. Argues that their critique is paralyzing because it could be used against any successful social or educational program. Argues that educators cannot afford to become paralyzed but must continue to make a…

Addresses the limitations of previous research by providing a model of social capital at the national level that makes explicit links to theory and analyzes multiple indicators of social capital. Results indicate some decline in a general measure of social capital, a decline in trust in individuals, no general decline in trust in institutions, and…

The ability of the university culture to adapt to changing environmental conditions that challenge the institution's primary functions and values (academic freedom, autonomy) is discussed, and management approaches that mirror the specific culture of a university are described. Methods for assessing culture are described, a typology for…