Explores the effects of family structure during the teenage years on the likelihood of marriage later using data from two national longitudinal surveys of young people. Results indicated that childhood family patterns do influence later family formation. Sons and daughters and Blacks and Whites are affected somewhat differently. (JAC)

Examined differences in occupational aspirations, expectations, and anticipatory occupational goal deflection in rural Black, White, and Native American adolescents (N=520). Results indicated few ethnic differences in aspirations. Females aspired to higher level occupations but experienced expectations lower than aspirations more often than males.…

Describes a study which examined the epidemiology of sex-role attitudes among a national probability sample of 1,626 American adolescents. Reports that more traditional sex-role attitudes are held by male, lower-class, and minority respondents. Assesses the impact of sex-role attitudes on conventional and delinquent behaviors and values.…

A study based on the confluence model of family effects upon intellectual growth found a negative relationship between grades and the number of older siblings for Whites but not for Blacks and a negative relationship between the grades of Blacks and responsibility for younger siblings. (CMG)

Considers the need to include gender in any consideration of job training programs. Summarizes recent studies of girls' experiences in schools and calls for a reconsideration of job training programs which will take into account the needs and experiences of girls as well as boys of varying class and race backgrounds. (CMG)

Compared the choice of parenthood in 17 Black low-income adolescents and 53 White middle-class couples. Results showed the decision to become parents was related to subcultural values. In contrast to White adults, Black adolescents did not see marriage, completion of schooling, or economic independence as prerequisites for motherhood. (JAC)

Using a 1981 national sample, examines (1) the incidence of marital disruption in children's lives; (2) children's living arrangements following a disruption; and (3) the amount of contact children maintain with the outside parent. The analysis reveals large differences between Blacks and Whites in both the incidence and aftermath of disruption.…

Survey and ethnographic data were used to explore attitudes toward death among members of varying social categories defined by race, age, social class, and sex. Analysis by age resulted in substantial differences, with middle-aged respondents (45-54 years) expressing greatest fears of death and the elderly (65-74) reflecting the least. (Author)

Considers the implications of some new research which examines inter-ethnic friendships in schools. (Editor)

Advocates a federal program of financial assistance for minority students seeking graduate and professional education, and direct financial support for graduate schools and universities to develop more effective delivery systems and to recruit, retain, and graduate competent minority citizens. (Author/JM)

The results of a comprehensive questionnaire survey of all phases of black student life at a large predominantly white southern university, the University of North Carolina At Chapel Hill (UNC) in 1972, indicate that direct forms of discrimination as well as open discord between racial groups are essentially absent at UNC, although black students…

Briefly reviews the content and impact of Arthur R. Jensen's 1969 Harvard Educational Review (HER) article How Much Can We Boost IQ and Scholastic Achievement, noting that "the reaction stirred by this article" in the subsequent issues of HER "was sharp." Among the critics were J. M. V. Hunt, Jerome Kagan, David Elkind, while Carl Bereiter, James…

Implications for social policy are drawn from research supporting the conclusion that racial and sexual differences are less superficial and less labile than ordinarily thought. (GW)

Civics courses are a source of civic skill development, yet not all American students receive civics instruction. This fact sheet reports evidence on the effect of civic education on the civic skill levels of young people. It uses "average treatment effects" to report the effects of studying various civics topics on civic skills. Civic…