Habits make everyday life manageable, but can also become obstacles and cause problems. The tendency to repeat old patterns of behavior is a common problem for individuals and for society as a whole. Unreflexive habitual actions constitute an important aspect of social reproduction. In this article, two questions are addressed: Why is change so…

Examines relevant literature from the seventeenth century to the present regarding myths about adolescence. The findings do not support the contentions that adolescence is a time of rebellious, antisocial, and unacceptable behavior. Debunking of these myths will allow professionals who work with adolescents to maintain objectivity. (JAC)

These conference proceedings consider the major lines of evidence on the nature and locus of the alcohol-disinhibition link. The first day's papers, commentaries and discussions are centered on physiological and behavioral links; social-psychological research; historical ideas on alcohol, crime, and accidents; and anthropological perspectives on…

Reviews data on behavior and attitudes towards the aged in preliterate societies, indicating that the aged maintain meaningful roles and are not subject to the pervasive discrimination and negative stereotyping existent in America. Discusses theories providing a perspective on and understanding of biologic and psychosocial causes of ageism.…

Empirical studies that demonstrate probable gender biased perceptions resulting from the use of man-linked words and third-person, singular masculine pronouns are reviewed in this paper. Among the findings revealed by the review are: (1) there is a tendency for people to perceive man-linked words as more likely to refer to men than to women; (2)…

The literature on attitudes of health workers toward the elderly suggests three variables as contributing to the elderly patient's perception of helplessness in the health care setting. First, the health worker may age-stereotype the elderly person as dependent, low in competence, and unlikely to respond to treatment. Secondly, the disparity in…

Presents a literature review on death-related attitudes and behavior of Mexican Americans. The 1976 Kalish and Reynolds study concludes that Mexican Americans are more accepting of death than other ethnic groups. Some findings suggest the opposite may be true. Offers an alternative interpretation of findings plus future research suggestions.…

Many factors are contributive to a rise in the rate of remarriage among older adults. Statistical and survey data on the condition of the elderly suggest that: (1) the number of elderly marriages has increased dramatically in recent years; (2) improved health status allows older adults greater socialization and mobility which greatly enhance the…

After a number of years of study by many experts, adolescent sexual intercourse, pregnancy, and childbearing have continued to elude understanding and control. Orthodox students and clinicians have studiously avoided the moral dimensions of such behavior, in spite of the social reality of values and expectations that reject precocious sexuality.…

Understanding the family life behavior of any society requires understanding its family policy. This involves knowing the history of that policy, what it was intended to accomplish, how it was put into practice, and its consequences. The relationship between family policy and behavior was investigated by examining the experience of Canadian law…

As the adolescent matures, drinking situations occur outside of the home with friends. This period is characterized by drinking habits, patterns, and attitudes which are different from those of the parent population; the peer group and situational factors are significant influences on drinking behavior during this phase. (Author)