Aspirations of adults from urban communities were ascertained and analyzed. Adults in nondeclining communities showed differences regarding "most frequently expressed aspiration," compared to counterparts in declining communities. No significant difference in economic aspiration was noted, but almost twice as many from the nondeclining community…

Using Inglehart's construct of materialism/postmaterialism, between 1975 and 1978 data were collected from Ball State (Indiana) University students regarding their value priorities. The majority of students were found to have mixed values, but the trend was toward materialism. (GC)

Discusses family therapy with members of the Black middle class in terms of family systems theory. Provides the clinician with insights into dynamics of family functioning in the Black community. Considers whether White therapists can work effectively with Black families. Empirical findings available from individual therapy are considered.…

Reprint of a 1973 article that describes the discrimination that particularly dark-skinned Black women suffer, especially at the hands of a color-conscious Black middle class. Calls for dark women to look to the African appearance and working-class roots as sources of pride and strength. (GC)

While the social scientific study of education has advanced impressively in recent years, little progress has been made in a number of areas. Energies should be directed to the study of the education of the rich and privileged as well as the education of minorities and the poor. (Author/EB)

High and low SES mothers of one- and three-year-old children (N=104) were interviewed. Results showed that low SES mothers believed that infants acquire basic cognitive skills later and that the introduction of cognitively stimulating activities should occur later than did high SES mothers. (JMB)

The discrepancy between middle-class and lower-class children's performance on IQ tests has been thought of as "cognitive deficit" or as "cognitive differences." This paper proposes another explanation--cognitive lag hypothesis--according to which the low IQ test scores of lower-class children are seen as due to the developmentally delayed…

Sixty-three mother-child dyads, selected from middle- and working-class English backgrounds, were observed in semi-structured teaching activities. Results indicated that middle-class mothers used significantly fewer negative statements and imperatives, and significantly more questions. They were also less intrusive. (Author/KC)

Second generation, middle-class, Black youth and middle-class White youth completed the Stanford Binet, WISC-R, or the WAIS. Results indicated that Black youth exceeded the White sample mean on the Stanford Binet and the WISC-R. Previous intelligence differences may have reflected educational and socioeconomic differences. (Author/RC)

A combination of objective and subjective criteria were used to identify the Black middle class. The purposes of the research were (1) to relate occupational attainment to reference group perspectives, and (2) to compare the reference group perspectives of lower socioeconomic college-bound Black youth with those of middle class Black workers.…

Blacks must look to themselves for solutions to the problems of all Black people. They must direct their money back into the Black community to elevate the socioeconomic level of Blacks in the United States. (WI)

Surveyed 46 middle- and working-class Mexican American students and 52 middle-class African American students from ethnically diverse high schools in southern California as to American identity, other-group attitudes, self-concept, anxiety, and demographic characteristics. Found varied types of identification manifested by ethnic minority…

Examines the survey results that studied college students' attitudes toward choice of profession, studies, and humanities education at the Bauman State Technical University (Moscow, Russia). Determined that these students were more willing to undergo career changes and were preoccupied with how their learning will be applied. (CMK)

Examines differences in how working class and middle class New Zealand parents handle sexuality issues with their adolescents, noting that the age of sexual activity is falling, and increasing numbers of students are sexually active. Middle class girls are asserting their right to sexual activity, while working class girls are separating their…