One of the few facts agreed on in criminology is that most crimes are committed by younger persons. However, the age distribution of criminals is sufficiently invariant across a broad range of social conditions that one cannot use age distribution as a foundation for theories of crime. (Author/IS)

Describes the evolution of feminist critical theory from a study of individuals' roles to the study of the interplay between gender relations and the institutional contexts within which they take shape. Surveys the writing of feminist theorists covering institutions, decision-making processes, cultural symbols, and everyday practices. (DK)

Examines structural marginality on two levels, substantial and functional. Argues that fundamental organizational framework of economic and political institutions determines the relationship between substantial and functional marginality. Explores the ambiguity involved when dominant society defines and controls marginal groups and individuals.…

Factors affecting the survival or decline of French in Zaire are examined, including its social, cultural, and political status, the history of other European languages established in Africa, and the influences of intercultural needs and ethnic identity on the continued use of French. (Author/MSE)

The term "social change" refers to variations over time in the ecological ordering of populations and communities, in patterns of roles and social interactions, and in the cultures of societies. Some facets of social change in one middle eastern country are presented in this paper. The study looks at the influence of social changes on…

The literature of psycholinguistics and multilingualism is reviewed to examine the relationship between macrological social variables such as social class, and individual variables related to language behavior in a multilingual setting. The growing body of evidence assessing the link between certain social and community dimensions and specific…

Literacy, reasoning, and civility in education are discussed from the perspective of social organization and cultural patterning. Schools are part of the larger social environment and perpetuate social class and rank as well as teach the curriculum. Reforms should change the social relations between teachers and students as well as instructional…

Various social, psychological, and linguistic explanations for language variation are examined from the perspective of a fundamental principle that seems to underline interaction, language, and society. That principle lies in the paradigm "same and different." The dialectic resulting from this paradigm is at the basis of the notions of…

A general theoretical framework, group conflict analysis, can be applied to the study of cultural plurality in higher education. Basically, the conflict perspective views society as a conglomerate of interest groups competing for dominance in and of society. Once a group gains dominance it will monopolize resources in an attempt to maintain and…

Explores the salient theoretical ideas and practical applications surrounding issues regarding diversity, including certain assumptions related to the Western worldview or the accepted frame of reference in American counseling. Western assumptions are contrasted with various divergent cultural perspectives, current training concerns are noted, and…

The variety of culturally-constituted conceptions of self are investigated in this essay. A history of ethnopsychology is given which includes an examination of evolutionist and sociological theories of the self in relation to culture and society. Various approaches to ethnopsychology are considered, and different facets of the self are explored.…

Presents text of an address delivered at the Bridging the Gap conference (1994). Describes new models of learning and work that are succeeding the industrial model, implications for career guidance of this revolution in the nature of work, and a vision of the future. (LKS)

Examines the interplay of historical research and theory building in family studies, expanding discovery of complexity in family life of past times, potential usefulness of W.I. Thomas's theory for such research, and the essential contribution of age and life course to the historical application of the Thomas approach. (Author)

Canadian social life and public policy are increasingly influenced by Aboriginal people, their roles in Canadian society, and the issues that concern them. Drawing on a political economy perspective, this book provides a systematic analysis of how changing social dynamics, organized particularly around race, class, and gender relations, have…

The report interprets and explains the basis of Mexican American/Anglo disparity in the educational experience through the theoretical framework of "group conflict." Chapter One presents the group conflict model of society, outlining the manner in which groups form and compete for power, wealth, and prestige. Chapter Two focuses on the way in…