Research indicates that white middle-class families' engagement with urban schools in gentrifying localities is often characterised by strategies of dominance and control, which support claims of belonging and identity, as well as securing educational advantage for their children. This is referred as 'class colonisation' or 'school…

A discussion in reaction to Bell's thesis (AA 511 929) of the reflection of, and influence on, culture in art. The author focuses on literature and argues that the function of literature is to provide multiple perspectives and to influence the reader, and that this it to the good. (Author/JB)

Discusses the meanings of the words culture, bourgeoisie, and ideology as a prelude to analyzing the condition of contemporary society. (RK)

An analysis of Bell's thesis (AA 511 929) which claims that Bell's argument is stated in vague classifications and cliches, and supported by superficial generalization. The author takes issue with Bell's evaluation of postmodernism and the influence of the arts, as well as his rigid distinction between culture and social structure. (Author/JB)

An empirical analysis of the freak life style and its cultural premises, based on ethnographic and survey data, is related to an interpretative examination of the emergence of the freak culture within the present generation of middle-class youth at this point in history and its implications for social change. (Author/EH)

The authors conclude that Daniel Bell's thesis (AA 511 929) does not, as he claims, prove the independence of culture from socioeconomic systems. They then conduct their own exploration of American culture and values. (Authors/JB)

Offers generalization about the militant young and the implications for education and society in the future. (MF)

A sociological study of students at Loyola University at the time of their protest regarding Kent State University and Cambodia revealed a wealth of factors regarding intergenerational conflict among Catholics. The majority of students supported the leaders and active participants of the political demonstration, and also approved of smoking…

Article considers the mental health needs of ethnic groups--especially those that comprise the largest segment of Middle America--and the factors to be aware of in fulfilling those needs. (Author/RK)

Argues that the propensity and capacity of many adults to conduct self-directed learning projects is now well proven, and that researchers should now infuse a spirit of self-critical scrutiny into this developing field of research. Advances four criticisms regarding the current state of self-directed learning research. (Author/CT)

Since the 1950s, parenting and childhood in America have changed dramatically. Childhood as a period in which to grow at one's own pace in a protected environment largely removed from adult supervision has given way to a new era in which the parent acts as supervisor and director of the child's development. Such involvement, especially by middle…

Public schools have mirrored postmodern social transformations that have challenged our provincial notions of common values and defined roles. Postmodern innovations-inclusion, multiculturalism, full-day kindergarten, character education, and distance education--are the offspring of our new cosmopolitan society. Most have greater social than…

Teachers should first realize that their assigned role (according to society's decision-makers) is to produce a brainwashed work force which does not question the prevailing culture. Then they should take action to reject this role. As Michael Holzman put it, "We should stop doing harm if we can help it." Many "compositionists"…

EDUCATORS ARE NOT ADEQUATELY FINDING WAYS TO DEAL WITH THE DISADVANTAGED IN AMERICA. THEY ASSUME THAT THEY MUST MAKE THE DISADVANTAGED CONFORM TO AND FUNCTION IN THE DOMINANT MIDDLE-CLASS SOCIETY. HOWEVER, WHILE THE MIDDLE CLASS SEEMS TO FAVOR A HOMOGENIZATION OF ALL CULTURES, SOME MINORITY CULTURES RESIST THIS PRESSURE AND FAVOR A SOCIETY IN…