This study suggests that jural parenthood, i.e. socially recognized parenthood, is the basis of the creation of personal kinship networks, commonly referred to as personal kindreds. From 1968 to 1970, field work was conducted among second generation welfare families in an urban black community in a midwestern city in the United States. The…

Contents of part one, Puerto Rican Youth, of this book, includes: excerpts from "Two blocks apart: Jan Gonzales and Peter Quinn," C. Mayerson; excerpts from "Up from Puerto Rico," E. Padilla; excerpt from "Spanish Harlem," P. Sexton; and "Poverty on the lower east side . . .," P. Montgomery. Contents of part two, Migrant Workers Youth, includes:…

Communications can play an important role in rural development. Especially promising are programs to reduce the cost of transportation and to extend services to dispersed rural populations, especially education, health, and entertainment services. There is a strong presumptive case that broadband communications can do a great deal to promote rural…

Professors and staff members of the University of Portland took the "urban plunge" when they visited the state's Adult and Family Services offices, shelters for the homeless and for battered women, an alcohol- and drug-rehabilitation center, and served lunch at two soup kitchens. A project at Notre Dame is also described. (MLW)

Considers the implications of statistics on death and poverty in minority communities for Catholic high schools with large minority populations. Sees hope at the heart of the Catholic high school. Discusses how teachers, school climate, and careful curriculum design can help instill this hope in the students. (DMM)

The gap between black and white median age, employment, and imprisonment is increasing. Up until the present period, structural, demographic, and cultural factors combined to sustain both hope and illusion for blacks who have so long been at the base of the American social and economic system. That combination is rapidly unravelling. (BJV)

America's growing Asian population is comprised of strikingly diverse ethnic groups. Although many Asian immigrants have achieved academic and economic success, there remain barriers to full participation by Asians in American society. A greater understanding of Asian Americans and their cultures would benefit us all. (Author/BJV)

Tells the story of a special teacher in a rural school and her influence on the writer's life. Notes qualities of the effective teaching including empathy, energy, high expectations, acknowledgement of the whole child, and perception of the hidden curriculum. Discusses teacher's ways of overcoming her students' poverty and educational…

Parent involvement in their children's educational experiences enhances student achievement. Low socioeconomic status (SES) and Black families often lack the human and material resources needed for a positive academic environment at home; however, positive learning environments do exist in some low-SES Black homes. More developmentally oriented,…

Data collected from 30 East Los Angeles Mexican American mothers, using semistructured interviews, indicated that family related variables distinguish families of gang members from control families. Youths in gangs are more likely to come from families which put less emphasis on intrafamilial socialization, youth supervision, and outward…

This is the 2nd "New Jersey City Kids Count," a snapshot of child well-being in New Jersey's largest and poorest cities. The report serves to measure progress and challenges in the cities where most of New Jersey's poorest children are growing up. The Association for Children of New Jersey, with funding from the Annie E. Casey…

The United States of America is often called the "land of opportunity," a place where hard work and sacrifice lead to economic success. Across generations, countless families have been able to live out that promise. However, more than one out of four American working families now earn wages so low that they have difficulty surviving…

In 1995, a federal report by the General Accounting Office (GAO) estimated that $112 billion was needed to bring the nation's school facilities into good repair. Subsequent studies estimated it would take more than $320 billion to build new schools to handle swelling enrollments, renovate aging buildings, and equip all buildings with the…

This study sought to determine why some families live outside the government cash income support system despite extreme poverty. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 95 extremely poor families (cash income below 50 percent of the federal poverty level living without employment income or government cash assistance). The interview sample was…

This report compiles the proceedings from the third national forum of the Canadian Child Care Federation, held in November 2001, which provided an opportunity for early childhood educators, practitioners, and researchers to share knowledge, learn from each other, and network with colleagues. The agenda included 4 keynote speeches, 30 workshops on…