The current study used meta-analysis to ask whether age differences, sex differences, and family size are linked to differences in parental treatment, as well as whether effect-sizes were moderated by the way parental differential treatment (PDT) was measured, who reported on the PDT, and the domain of PDT. Between August 2015 and November 2020,…

Family and work are fundamental aspects of life, and an individual must find a balance between both. Prioritizing one over the other can cause distress in one's life. Every individual plays an important role in their work and non-work/personal life with the aim of fulfilling their needs, but it's not always easy to find a balance, which may cause…

China's open-door policy (ODP) was created in 1978 as a response to the severe economic depression affecting the country after the Cultural Revolution. The policy was designed to restore China's financial status and lift the nation out of destitution. By all accounts, the ODP has been successful in improving the country's monetary condition.…

The negative stereotypes of only children are pervasive despite a growing trend toward single-child families and evidence of the only child's strengths. People maintain definite beliefs about the characteristics of each ordinal position in a family, typically viewing only children as lonely, spoiled, and maladjusted. The author reviewed the…

This article reviews and presents research findings on the relationships between parenthood and health over the life span. Existing research shows lacunae. The links between reproductive behavior and longevity generally focus on family size rather than contrasting parents and nonparents. Studies of marital status differentials in survival…

Conducted quantitative review of literature on the personality characteristics of only children. Combined results of 141 studies and found that only children scored significantly better than other groups in achievement motivation and personal adjustment. Overall, however, the review indicated that only children were comparable in most respects to…

This document focuses on published materials on the topic of the effects of family structure on intelligence and academic achievement from the last 15 years. Fourteen terms such as "birth order" and "spacing" are defined. Forty-five papers, published from 1973 to 1986, are annotated. Research results are summarized in the areas of family size,…

The literature is reviewed on sibling relationships involving a child who is handicapped. An analysis of interaction patterns for nonhandicapped children is also provided. Factors contributing to a sibling's adjustment include family size, socioeconomic status, and characteristics of the child who is handicapped. Potential instructional roles of…

This demographic overview summarizes some major findings from national surveys reported by the Census Bureau in 1990. Statistical data are drawn from the Current Population Survey, the Survey of Income and Program Participation, and the American Housing Survey. The following trends are reported: (1) the decline in average household size begun in…

Literature on the relationship between sibling structure and academic abilities and achievement since 1978 is reviewed. As the findings generally refute the confluence model of the influence of sibling structure, alternative interpretations are presented with implications for further research. (Author/BS)

Although knowledge of how the population of an area is structured and how it is constantly changing will not solve problems created by the changes, it will provide a basis for understanding the needs of an area and for better program planning. Population processes that produce growth or decline in areas include natural increase, migration, and…

Using evidence from recent research studies, it is argued that population growth is not a major obstacle to the social and economic growth of developing nations. (RM)

Draws on classic sociological theories of Durkheim, Tonnies, and others to suggest that many urban-rural differences found in the past were actually farm-nonfarm differences. Analysis of Current Population Survey data reveals few differences in family structure between urban and rural nonfarm residents, but extensive differences between these and…

Illustrates the major demographic, health and social shifts that are now occurring in American society. Demonstrates how these factors will affect the roles of family members as caregivers to the elderly. Identifies shifts and provides suggestions for education and policy. (Author/BH)

Examines and explains unexpected population trends since 1970: substantial rural and small-town growth, regional shifts to the South and West, lower birth rates, increased life expectancy, smaller household size, and population growth from immigration. Illustrates how demographic events offer classic examples of the difficulty of predicting human…