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…

Discusses the way in which natural community contexts influence early language socialization and behavior. Compares approaches to language usage and literacy in Black middle- and lower-class families in a particular Southern community. (RJC)

Results from this study on mothers' conceptions of child development suggest a complex picture of diversity in Mexican-American mothers who retain values and beliefs from their own culture and take on values and beliefs of the American culture. (PCB)

Profiles nine low-spending, high-performance districts located in small to medium-sized, largely white communities boasting stable economies and a high quality of life. Although the districts are labelled "cheap" for various reasons, their superintendents ascribe success to superior, autonomous staff; high expectations for students; and…

Compared the sensitivity and teaching strategies of white, middle-class dysphoric and nondysphoric women working with unfamiliar five- and six-year olds during classification tasks and unstructured activities. Found that nondysphoric women were more sensitive to children's level of understanding than dysphoric women and were more likely to use a…

Michael Levin argues that data from the study are consistent with a black/white IQ difference that is significantly genetic. Richard Lynn maintains that adoption by middle-class, white families has no effect on intelligence. Waldman, Weinberg, and Scarr respond to these criticisms and support the original conclusions. (SLD)