Postulates new way of describing identity development process under oppression using optimal theory. From this optimal worldview, oppression is perceived as self-alienating and yielding a fragmented sense of self, based upon devaluation by self and others. Describes optimal theory as providing new inclusive model of identity development. Describes…

Considers it imperative that counselors engaged in multicultural counseling have understanding of what is meant by culture. Suggests that philosophical assumptions underlying worldview, the deep structure of culture, provide framework for better understanding cultural differences. Contends that viewing culture from this holistic perspective…

Explores idea of an Africentric worldview as means for reducing stress among African-American women. Suggests that restructuring worldview can alter the cognitive appraisals of potential stressful situations. Proposes that Africentric worldview framework has potential to counter negative images that often result in stressful appraisals of…

Notes that trauma of child's death challenges parents' worldview. Demonstrates how the task of affirming or remolding one's worldview is consistently intertwined with parents' continued interaction with inner representation of their dead child. Data are presented from 10-year ethnographic study of self-help group of bereaved parents. (Author/NB)

Describes aspects of Afrocentricity, outlining African-American values, beliefs, and cultural characteristics. Contrasts Afrocentric and Eurocentric worldviews, attempts to increase awareness of cultural bias in counseling and testing, and establishes parameters to enable white counselors to work more effectively with black clients. Reviews career…

Examines competence in terms of practitioner's worldview. Explores the history of how frames of reference are influenced by secular intelligence and how imprecision of commonly used terms limits conceptual competence. Presents more precise multicultural lexicon as means of fostering critical thinking about competence in multicultural research and…

Argues for recognition that teaching about the voyages of Columbus is presented from a European perspective. Reminds teachers to take a multidimensional approach that recognizes the Native American and African-American points of view. Examines the long-range demographic, cultural, political, economic, dietary, and labor redividing consequences of…

Examines problems that arise when society comes to rely on the technology of its time and provides support for this contention through data about unintended effects of polychlorinated biphenyl. Argues that reliance on technology results in a loss of previously accumulated knowledge, and the general public becomes convinced it can have anything…

Describes the role of women in developing countries, as caretakers of the forests who are denied a role in land development. Discusses the devaluation of women's social and economic contributions to the ecological sustainability of forests. Presents a case in which issues of equity, justice, poverty, and other social issues are connected to the…

This report addresses the research and development (R&D) organizations and the decision-making processes that the Federal Government needs to enable it to work toward national and global environmental objectives. It is essential that these programs be well organized, adequately funded, and closely linked with the policy-making process. The…

Examines changes in global culture and values and their impact on families. Identifies five conundrums for families attempting intentional socialization of their children for new global values: (1) stability versus change; (2) universal versus particular family model; (3) intentional versus laissez-faire socialization; (4) safety versus danger;…