In the last 6 years, 27 countries have emerged anew in Europe and Central Asia (ECA). Many countries have moved away from having a single political party manage the state and its economic apparatus. This paper aims to answer whether educational mechanisms can lower social tension and help achieve social cohesion in these countries, and how these…

This report concentrates on the specific educational phenomenon of popular education in Brazil. It highlights the social context and the frequent political controversies that surround it. The first section depicts the popular education movement with respect to its self-image. Part II describes the societal groups involved. Part III discusses in an…

When the Texas legislature proposed a 100 percent increase in college tuition, the Texas Student Association mobilized its members to fight the issue. The students' activities are discussed, along with reasons for the bill's failure and its prospects for future passage. (PP)

Outlines the pros and cons of Project JOLT, a "Scared Straight" type of program. Raises some theoretical, methodological, and political issues surrounding the Scared Straight approach. Illustrates some of the pitfalls in program evaluation in corrections and makes some recommendations. (Author/RC)

After defining three broad positions adopted in the long-standing French polemic about secularism and education, the author describes how traditional boundaries between conflicting positions have been blurred by interventionist policies in education as well as by the evolution of Catholic attitudes. He illustrates his comments from recent…

Chronicles public opinion, politics, and law and policy on privacy and confidentiality and their consequences for access by the social research community to government administrative and statistical records. Discusses the political environment, the decennial census long form, media coverage, and fears about the accumulation of personal information…

Analyzes sociological research conducted by Kazakhstan libraries between 1991 and 1994. Highlights include discussions on the sociology of reading, research results, and library facilities. It was found that reading is characterized by frequent changes in demands of readers caused by dramatic shifts in ideology, politics, and economics in the…

After a discussion of the circumstances that led to the unification of the two German states, this paper then evaluates the challenges to political education in Germany after unification. Beginning with the focus by the media and politics on the effects of East German political changes on the two German states, the revolution in East Germany and…

Homelessness affects a wide cross-section of society. Causes of homelessness, attempted remedies, and potential solutions for the future are presented. Descriptions of the experiences of men, women, and children who have fallen through the "safety net" of social services are included from cities throughout the country. Support is given for the…

Discusses political implications of the restraints imposed by business groups and how they are affecting the depository library program, the National Research and Education Network, and the National Information Infrastructure. Highlights include pertinent legislation; the architecture of information networks; and possible future outcomes,…

Examines applications of the diaspora concept to experiences of Jews, Africans, Chinese, and Asians living outside of their homeland or ancestral country. Discusses the following features of diaspora: (1) territorial and political; (2) economic, trade, and remittances; (3) immigrant and labor migrations; and (4) cultural and ethnic identification…

Considers the origins and historical development of videotex over three decades, comparing various nationally sponsored and private systems in Europe and North America. Discusses problems, including the determination of transmission channels, display devices, standards, marketing strategies, and social, political, and economic elements in the…

Discusses the social science research literature on black males in the following four areas: demographic and statistical issues, psychosocial issues, political/economic issues, and educational issues. The article concludes that most black males are in more serious trouble than any other subpopulation in the United States, with the possible…

Explores the exercise of institutional and ideological power over rap music and fans, how artists and fans respond to that context, and the complex relationships between rap's political economy and the sociologically based crime discourse that frames it. Rap's poetic voice is a political expression of the Black experience. (JB)

Reviews major aspects of library and information science education during the decade of the 1990s. Topics include historical context; the political climate; copyright, access, and privacy; the social climate; technological context; economic context; changes in administration, the profession, programs, curriculum, and faculty; and future…