Traditional Marxist approaches to the state relegate superstructural institutions like the school to a minor role in the process of social change. More recent theories like those of Gramsci, Althusser, and Poulantzas raise the state and the class struggle in the state apparatuses to a much more prominent position: superstructure, including the…

This paper presents an alternative to the predominant equity theory for studying the concept of fairness in social relationships. According to the equity theory, or merit principle, fairness in social relationships occurs when rewards, punishments, and resources are allocated in proportion to one's input or contributions. The basic problems of…

This guide, the second of four, is intended for persons involved in planning new schools or new programs; that is, comprehensive change projects, especially those that have a new, innovative thrust and where past practice cannot be easily relied on. The guide examines means by which to clarify goals and methods of designing social systems before…

Portuguese immigrants in America and Canada have certain institutions in their traditional socio-culture which are considered to act as preadaptive mechanisms in the migrant's settling-in process. This paper discusses one locale which has a large proportion of recent Portuguese immigrants, and emphasizes how women, in particular, are important in…

Increased United States involvement in world affairs has been accompanied by an increase in the number of Americans living abroad in numerous American enclaves. Most of the commentary on such "overseas American communities" is impressionistic, superficial, and stereotyped, and tends to foster the notion that Americans are peculiarly ethnocentric.…

A 2-week laboratory learning experience was held for a group of 35 strangers who were to comprise the entire staff of a new high school. The general objective was to promote an effective social system characterized by (1) a high degree of proficiency in communication, decisionmaking, problem-solving, and conflict management; and (2) an atmosphere…

It is suggested that black education is a good subject for those who are interested in development and international education. These several reasons are discussed: 1) the educational system operating in black communities may in terms of comparative education methodology be compared to that operating in many colonial and ex-colonial areas, it may…

The main purpose of this paper is to examine recurring themes which emerge from past federal programs in early education and to identify potential areas where critical historical research is necessary. The author, after a brief survey of federal involvement in early education from 1933 to 1973, suggests that the historical perspective might…

A set of nine teacher-prepared Learning Activity Packages for individualized instruction at the tenth grade level includes the following units: Early Man and the Beginning of Civilization; Our Heritage from Greece and Roman Life in the Middle Ages; The Renaissance and the Reformation; Revolution; World at War; Totalitarianism; New World Settlement…

This narrative unit on idealism was developed as an illustration of minority group efforts to reform the social structure of American democracy, the implications being that American life was in many respects lacking. The general teaching objectives are: 1) to stimulate student consideration of what would be their ideal society; 2) to foster a…

The social studies resource unit, the first of four in this course, outlines content dealing with the concept of community, helping third grade children to identify basic properties of any community. Specific objectives are described in the areas of culture, social organization, social processes, location, and cultural uses of environmental…

This unit is designed as an overview of the year's course on economics and socio-economic problems. Pupils learn something about economics as a social science and the role of economists in helping people solve economic problems. They examine steps in problem solving and learn to distinguish between questions asking for explanation and prediction…

This study of experiments with a new type of educational institution in Communist China is based upon an analysis of materials from Chinese Communist newspapers and periodicals. Reliance upon a discriminating use of such materials is necessitated by the lack of impartial first hand evaluations of these new institutions by qualified outside…

Reviews evolution of workfare programs during the past 25 years. Summarizes both positive and negative outcomes of such programs, and identifies some key issues and unanswered questions resulting from these outcomes. Suggests a more viable direction for welfare reform in the areas of child care responsibility, balance of rights and obligations,…

Provides historical and theoretical context for this theme issue on education in Latin America. Discusses reorganization in state models and state-society relationships since the 1930s, the systematic withdrawal of public resources from education due to neoliberalism and internationally imposed "structural adjustment" policies, effects…