Experimental literature on expectancy change and performance effects of expectancy is examined and interpreted as challenging the deep pthology" concepts of the poor, and thus in turn questioning the basis of intervention programs based on these concepts. (JM)

Differences in responsiveness to social reinforcement associated with the race and socioeconomic status of a person are interpreted in terms of his expected outcomes and his scale of evaluation of outcomes. (JM)

A survey in three United States cities indicates that fear of rape is greatest among women who are elderly, belong to ethnic minorities, or have low incomes. Certain psychosocial and environmental factors are associated with high fear levels among women. Fear, in turn, determines the use of certain types of safety strategies. (Author/MJL)