Describes the origins and development of cultural pluralism in the United States. Proposes four theoretical approaches to pluralism. Concludes that coexistence multiculturalism offers the greatest potential for developing mutual understanding among many races and ethnic groups. (CFR)

Discusses the status of black women, and examines what they need to do to strengthen their positions in the workplace. In the face of existing career obstacles, both individual initiatives such as securing training and finding mentors, and public policy initiatives are needed. (SLD)

Explains how misperceptions of Asian Americans have led to inappropriate conclusions by the public and by policymakers concerning medical school enrollment and financial assistance and health needs research. The article makes recommendations for increasing and expanding targeted data collection efforts in the Asian Pacific American subcategories.…

Discussion of the higher education system of Macedonia includes a description of the various institutions, the undergraduate and graduate programs of the two principal universities, admission and enrollment procedures, higher education finance, and international linkages, particularly the intention of creating cooperative arrangements with…

Describes the child care system in Sweden, focusing on policy measures and legislation for children and families. Describes types of day care programs, including centers, open preschools, family day care, school age services, children requiring special support, and children from other cultures. Outlines recently proposed guidelines for preschool…

Documents and evaluates Israel's language policy shift from its traditional Hebrew-enforcement policy to the fostering of an immigrant language as a channel of information and culture in the face of a sudden 10% addition to its population due to one-half million Soviet migrants attached to Russian culture. (33 references) (Author/CK)

Policy concerning faculty training and development in Estonian universities is examined, looking at current practices in comparison with those of the former Soviet Union. It is argued that since democratization there is little effort and some resistance to faculty renewal, despite new labels given to academic qualifications. University…

Claims that hazardous waste facilities are more likely to be located in areas with higher than average proportions of minorities and examines the issue using census-level data from a national study. No consistent statistical evidence is found for such claims, although previous claims are shown to be based on larger areas. (SLD)

Seven plans for financing higher education's expansion in the United Kingdom are described, analyzed, and compared, particularly as each addresses three issues: student loan program design; tuition; and student loan repayment. Criteria for evaluating the plans include efficiency, equity, and implications for stability of public spending. The…

Presents demographic information on California's increasing population and ethnic diversity. Describes age pyramids and fertility rates by ethnic group, indicating that Asians and Hispanics will comprise over two-thirds of the state's population by 2030. Discusses implications for education, teenage pregnancy, political representation, prenatal…

The emerging global society must stress environmental and social cooperation as much as economic competition. Five elements are necessary for the emergence of empowered communities and civil society. Achieving sustainable development requires changing the way we think and act, and education is essential for that. Individuals and nongovernmental…

Proposes a national protocol to prevent child abuse and neglect in Africa. Suggests that it be: (1) comprehensive, involving contributions from social service, health, legal, and government agencies; (2) community/neighborhood-based, creating an awareness of family environments; (3) child-centered, taking children seriously as individuals; and (4)…

The ability of individuals to gain mastery over their environment is considered empowerment. However, empowerment often is assessed without attention to the historical, social, or political context the individual is embedded within. This context often is contingent upon social policies that enhance or limit the choices an individual has to behave…

Youth policy in the United States reflects the public assumption that adolescence is a time of storm and stress and that youth are therefore in need of protection and control from their communities. These and other beliefs about youth distance adults from youth in their communities and, equally important, distract attention and debate from the…

This article identifies typical life course situations that women experience, which contribute to a cycle of discrimination or a recurrence of disadvantages simply because of their sex, race, or age. Although men suffer social, health, psychological, and economic disadvantages as they age, this article focuses primarily on women as a more deprived…