This book attempts to shed light on the seemingly contradictory aspects of Japanese behavior. Separate chapters, grounded in interaction-oriented social scientific theory, focus on the themes of social relativism, belongingness, empathy, dependency, occupying the proper place, reciprocity, situational interaction, early socialization, selfhood,…

A study of the mythological elements attendant upon professional baseball reveals the complex social and cultural beliefs contributing to the current American world view. (LH)

The modern sports spectacular contains all the necessary elements of symbolic rite, and the public's behavior patterns during large-scale athletic events dramatically illustrate a ritualistic enactment of social and cultural power struggles via vicarious participation. (LH)

Notes the omission of a historical perspective in the research papers in this special issue on prosocial and aggressive play. Maintains that the past several hundred years can be characterized as a time of domesticating children's play, and that more research on rough-and-tumble play is needed. (LB)

Discusses a study on bilingualism and factors of ethnic identity in Saare/Tsaragi, a border area in Nigeria where two languages are used regularly. Interviews elicited information on language ability and use, language attitudes, and interethnic relations. Results indicate similar patterns between groups of bilingual ability and attitudes but…

Reflects on the Lakota myth of the winds from a psychological-sociological point of view with the purpose of destroying several false myths relating to children and family dynamics. Recounts the myth and relates it to Alfred Adler's views of the family constellation and birth order as a basis for personality determination. (RAH)

Offering a synthesis of research and thought on the notion of newsreading as a form of play, this paper focuses on newsreading as a symbolic action of incorporating cultural attitudes by reading a newspaper. Sections of the paper discuss the following topics: (1) play, culture, and communication--defining play in its cultural and communicative…

It is often the case that lip service is paid to the strength of indigenous culture while the implications of indigenous peoples' strengths are disregarded in actual project design. This paper shows that indigenous peoples and societies are able to cope with an extraordinary number of permutations, and that their coping mechanisms are both…

A personality and economic profile is presented of primary users of federal recreation areas. The characteristics of this outdoor recreation constituency are described and the influence of their behavior patterns and attitudes on federal land distribution policy is considered. Citing the unequal distribution of natural resources for recreational…

Argues that there appear to be sound biological and sociological reasons why gender differentiation of roles within childrearing families is necessary for society's good. Gender differentiation is important for child development and possibly for marital stability. Fathers are not the same as mothers nor should they be. (SLD)