It was hypothesized that distinctive verbal processing styles would be characteristic of different social classes and different sexes, and that these differences could be largely explained by earlier socialization experiences. (BW)

Reviews studies investigating the language and conceptual abilities of children from different types of home background and the relationship of these abilities to school readiness and to later school achievement. (MP)

This study examined the exposure to multiple physical and psychosocial stressors among low-income, rural, white 8- to 10- year-olds. Findings indicated that low-income children confronted a wider array of multiple physical and psychosocial stressors than did middle-income counterparts. Children showed evidence of higher levels of self- and…

Examined the relations between school-relevant activities of preschoolers and teachers' subsequent perception of the children's competence once they had entered school. Found that middle-class preschoolers engaged in more school-relevant activities than working-class preschoolers. Elementary students who had initiated and engaged in more…

Describes theory of broad and narrow socialization with emphasis on placing family socialization in its cultural context. In cultures characterized by broad socialization, socialization is intended to promote independence, individualism, and self-expression. Cultures with narrow socialization encourage obedience and conformity. Seven sources of…

This study investigated the relationships among selected aspects of normal language development, emerging metalinguistic skills, concepts about print, and family literacy experiences in 43 preschoolers from various socioeconomic backgrounds. It found that family reports of literacy activities were associated with income and that children's…

Observed universal and culturally specific features of play conditioned by ecological factors, social class, and gender in India. Found that, although ecological constraints conspired against the urban child's natural propensity to play with joyous spontaneity, there were also conscious community endeavors to create play environments. Children…

Examined the use of the Ages and Stages Questionnaires with 96 low- and middle-income parents on their child from 4 to 30 months. Found that percent agreement between a professionally-administered standardized assessment and questionnaires completed by low and middle-income parents was 80% to 91% and 85% to 93%, respectively. (Author/KB)

Examined the contribution of biological and environmental variables to 11-year-olds' phonological development. Found that temporal lobe (planar) asymmetry, hand preference, family history of reading disability, and SES explained over half the variance in phonological and verbal performance, demonstrating a linear association between cerebral…

Responds to "School Choice and culture Wars in the Classroom: What Different Parents Seek from Education" (SO 532 108) and "Liberal Equity in Education: A Comparison of Choice Options" (SO 532 109) addressing racial and class segregation in terms of family motivations versus educational consequences. Concludes that the risks of school choice are…

This article deals with informal networks and their role in young people's strategies of coping with the uncertainties of transitions to work. The underlying hypothesis is that informal networks have a high potential in this regard that, however, is strongly differentiated according to class and education. Drawing on West German data from the…

This article identifies the different problems immigrants and refugees face in the United States, especially socioeconomic and psychosocial concerns that often relate to the experience of migration. Traditional familial roles and responsibilities are frequently challenged, exacerbated by sociocultural differences and inadequate understandings…

A powerful means to understand young children's normative development in context is to examine their everyday activities. The daily activities of 79 children (3 years old) were observed, for 20 hr each, in their usual settings. Children were selected from 4 cultural groups: European American and African American (Greensboro, United States), Luo…

As young people move into adolescence, they begin to explore gender roles. Finding their way through this potential minefield is complicated and challenging for middle school students. The process of determining the variations in masculinity and femininity is largely a social function, not a biological one. In this article, the author discusses…

Despite the largely monolithic descriptions of Asian American students as high achieving model minorities, Asian Americans are a diverse group and their experiences are varied and complex. This article explores the ways that social class, ethnicity, generation, and gender shape the educational opportunities, experiences and achievement of Asian…