This study was conducted to observe the effects of social class on the interaction of mothers and their 12-week-old infants. Data on the infants' cognitive and attentive behavior was also obtained. Each of 32 white and black infants from five different levels of social class was observed at home for two full hours of waking time. Observed infant…

THIS 1948 LECTURE ON THE SOCIALIZATION AND MENTAL ACTIVITIES OF NEGRO AND WHITE MIDDLE- AND LOWER-CLASS CHILDREN DISCUSSES (1) THE STRUCTURE OF REWARDS AND PUNISHMENTS AMONG MIDDLE- AND LOWER-CLASS PERSONS, (2) THE INFLUENCE OF SOCIAL CLASS ON PROBLEM SOLVING IN STANDARDIZED MENTAL TESTS, (3) THE NATURE OF PROBLEM-SOLVING ACTIVITIES AND MENTAL…

This research project examines mobility, satisfaction and power relations in black middle class families. The variables discussed are: (1) mobility patterns over three generations; (2) family structure; (3) the kinship help network; (4) decision-making patterns in the family; and (5) the level of satisfaction with their present family situation.…

This paper explores behavior patterns of lower class black adolescents and contends that their seemingly illogical and irrational behavior is, in fact, meaningful and utilitarian within the context of their environments. The effects of social and residential segregation and the lack of stable social institutions reinforce strong feelings of group…

To assess mother-child interaction, 23 mother-child pairs from the West Harlem ghetto (half lower class and half middle class Negroes) and from Washington Square (white middle class) were observed. Children were 3-year-old boys. Each pair spent 30 minutes in a laboratory playroom and were observed and tape-recorded. Children's nonverbal…

Examined in this study are factors affecting the dating and behavior patterns of black single parents. Described and discussed are the influence of childrearing responsibilities, economic factors, class factors, age factors, educational experience, and sexual values of these patterns. Also taken into account are the influences of a child's…