In a knowledge-based economy, economic and social well-being depend on the development of human resources, and those with access to education benefit from higher lifetime earnings, lower rates of unemployment and poverty, a greater sense of engagement at work and society, and healthier lifestyles. This environmental scan considers the major…

Describes the increase in nonmarital childbearing in the United States in the past 50 years. Considers age differences in nonmarital childbearing and the disproportionate numbers of poorly educated unmarried mothers. Maintains that changes in sexual behavior of unmarried people and declines in marriages of unmarried pregnant women contributed to…

This publication offers a demographic and socioeconomic profile of Puerto Ricans in the mainland United States as of 1990. A section on population analyzes size, growth, and geographic distribution. A section on demographic characteristics covers age composition, sex composition, and household structure and marital status. A section on…

This book is about race and the differences race makes in the lives of Americans. Its mission is to convert 1980 census data into authoritative analyses of major changes and trends in American life. It includes the following chapters: (1) "Race in America: The Dilemma Continues"; (2) "Black Population Growth from Colonial Times to…

This report reviews issues and previous empirical studies surrounding prediction of educational attainment, preparation for college, college aptitude assessment, and prediction of achievement in college for Hispanic students residing in the United States. First, a demographic overview of Hispanics, concentrating on population size, ethnic subgroup…

The changing profile of the Latino population in the American Midwest, based primarily on recent Bureau of Labor Statistics and Census data, is summarized for policy makers and other interested parties. This report is intended as a reference and focal point for classroom discussion of regional social and public policy issues. A section on data…

From 1970 to 1980, Indiana's population grew 5.7 percent, with the white population growing less than 4 percent as opposed to a 30 percent growth rate for minority groups. Nearly 64.4 of the state's minority population resided in Marion and Lake counties as of 1980. Except for Asian Americans, Indiana residents who belong to ethnic minority groups…

This report examines the extent and process by which rural origins may affect socioeconomic attainments in adulthood and how these "costs" have changed during this century. Introductory sections review research and theories of rural differentiation and stratification and the history of major federal policy initiatives for rural…

Despite the community college's historical commitment to the availability of comprehensive education for all citizens, Hispanics have yet to receive a fair share of programs and services. General demographic data, as well as regional and national longitudinal studies, reveal that Hispanic participation and success in all levels of the educational…

Four Australian cohorts (born in 1961, 1965, 1970 and 1975) were studied between 1980-2000. The life transitions study focused on these three traditional markers of adulthood: (1) moving out of the parental home; (2) establishing an intimate relationship; and (3) buying a home. Incidence of these transitions was analyzed in terms of their…