Explores the problem of health care utilization from both the structural and personal perspectives. Analyzes traditional health care beliefs and practices, and the interplay between these beliefs and practices and the modern health care system. (Author/RLV)

Analyzes the major patterns of change within historical social and political systems and the cultural conditions which account for variations in the patterns. The purpose is to provide a theoretical framework for analyzing the relationship between ideas or culture and social structure. (KC)

The biological and the cultural aspects of human play are inextricably linked and mutually influence each other. (LH)

Statistical data from the U.S. Census Bureau Survey of Income and Education reveals societal patterns of language shift. The data can confirm the adequacy of theories of the causality of language shift. Examination of the data indicates geographic regions where language shift has occurred and is likely to occur. (PMJ)

Socal and educational trends are examined with an eye toward planning for the coming decade. Among the trends examined are: inflation; declining birth rates; differential fertility and increasing minorities; off-campus educators, including industry, the military, and professional associations; and adult and continuing education. (JMD)

Reports on certain social and economic indicators that provide a "modestly comprehensive" view of literacy activities, in order to extract an account of the current state and trend of the value and volume of the nation's literacy. Attempts to get a more basic than usual view of literacy, seeing it primarily as an economic activity. (Author/GT)

Notes certain disquieting trends that affect the publication and the reading of children's books; discusses a number of reasons why children read, including for information, to please adults, for instant gratification, for illumination of self, for escape, and for reassurance and deep satisfaction of a vicarious triumph. (GT)

The new heroes and heroines who reject middle-class values and rewards are seeking fulfillment outside the mainstream and subtly altering the American profile. (LBH)

Author traces the evolution of problems in American education since the second world war, stating that: "As a group of people, we are prone to apply simplistic solutions to complex problems, to engage in crusades, to romanticize, to look for heroes." (Author/RW)

Examines the theoretical framework of psychologist Lev Vygotsky with regard to communication tools, cognition, and socio-cultural effects on these tools. Reports the results of several studies of students' word meanings of division by adapting Luria's instruments for alternative assessments. Discusses the implications of socio-cultural diversity,…

Many Middle Eastern students in Western graduate programs in higher education wish to undertake evaluations of home country institutions, but their approaches reflect significant cultural differences. Issues confronting students and supervisors in this context are discussed, and a relatively recent "fourth generation" approach to…

A study examined the effect of a course on societal oppression on 222 graduate social work students. Subjects and a control group tended to accept a "just world" ideology; acceptance increased among class participants. Self-reported advocacy behaviors also increased, and students who believed in a just world and reported fewer advocacy behaviors…

Describes effects of the burgeoning information culture on the community college mission, suggesting that colleges can focus on providing learning rather than filling classrooms. Argues that the information network currently being built represents a fifth utility for communities. Provides seven practical first steps for colleges seeking to…

Data from a survey of 4,809 Russians were used to examine the association between educational attainment and first occupation for Russians who completed their education and entered the labor market between 1970 and 2000. The results confirm previous findings of continuity in social stratification in post-Soviet Russia, despite rapid, major…

Reports on a 2-year study about teaching and learning mathematics for social justice in an urban, Latino classroom and the role of a National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) standards-based curriculum. Uses qualitative, practitioner-research methodology. Indicates that the standards-based curriculum was also important in promoting…