Gives results of a survey on the nature of, and the services offered by, suicide survivor groups. Results indicate that most groups are sponsored by mental health or social service agencies, have operated eight to nine years on average, and have fewer than 10 people typically in attendance at meetings. Other findings are reported. (RJM)

Discusses what contributes to the excellence of sociology researchers. Directs focus toward advanced sociology undergraduate students and beginning graduate students. Emphasizes the personal qualities of researchers offering four examples to illustrate these qualities. Addresses the importance of files, multiple data sources, and personal…

Robert Putnam's view of social capital considers the decline in volunteering as a crisis for democracy. However, data on volunteering in Australia from 1974-1997 indicate that there is likely to be a significant increase in total volunteer hours. Beyond the contribution to democratic society, the values implicit in volunteering increase the…

Dilemmas inherent in the attempt to measure and evaluate informal supports available to individuals in need of social care are illustrated through a study of 400 elderly persons in Jerusalem. Practical guidelines for evaluation are presented. (SLD)

If one's reference point is university life a generation ago, one can say that things are getting better for gay faculty, students, administrators, and staff. College administrators need to take an activist stance to counteract misinformation about gays and cultural prejudices, and the growing problem of hate-motivated incidents. (MLW)

Offers a system-level perspective on job burnout among human service workers, focusing on their internal networks of caregiving relationships. Defines and illustrates five recurring caregiving patterns characterizing agency members' relationships, ranging from supervisor support to mutual withdrawal between supervisors and subordinates. Discusses…

This analysis focuses on patterns of language choice and language mixing in a Chinese/English-speaking bilingual community in the Northeast of England. (34 references) (VWL)

Reviews major advances in research and theory on mate selection in the 1980s. Considers literature relevant to societal trends and influences on trends, social networks and premarital relationships, behavioral features of relationships, and individual attributions for relationship development. Throughout the review, two themes appear:…

The connection between the variables of socioeconomic class and social networks are explored, and the outlines of a model are suggested that can integrate the variables coherently. Evidence from research in Northern Ireland and Philadelphia is used to help show the role played by weak network ties. (67 references) (Author/LB)

The integration of 66 African-American Detroit inner-city residents into their neighborhood is measured quantitatively by a Vernacular Culture Index construction from the respondents' responses to 10 statements. Results show that older respondents are more likely to choose African-American English variants than younger ones. (33 references)…

A total of 44 mothers of 4 year olds were interviewed about their social networks and observed in a play session with their children. Mothers who were more satisfied with their networks, and mothers with larger or less cohesive networks, demonstrated optimal maternal behavior more often than did other mothers. (BC)

Nineteen adolescent and 25 older mothers of infants reported on social networks and family support. Found no significant differences in social network size or interaction quality; older mothers scored significantly higher on perceived family support. Perceived family support and interaction quality were associated positively with maternal…

Pairs of Illinois elementary teachers (previously enrolled in a language arts cooperative development project) formed a partner system involving communication via shared journals to reduce isolation during a staff development project. Participants found the shared journals very effective in sustaining collegiality. The article notes five…

Presents conceptual reorientation for providing responsive psychological services to older adults, focusing on need to develop prevention programs that encourage maintenance of social roles. Discusses changes in social structures that encourage more active social engagement, with examples from housing options, part-time employment, and ways to…

Examines the contribution of parents' extrafamilial resources in childhood to children's completed years of schooling in young adulthood, controlling for human and financial resources. Indicates that human and financial resources are significantly related to completed years of schooling, but that help from friends and residential mobility have…