Examined is the political relevance of discussions of how disabilities are determined and administered. Michael Foucault's work is presented as the basis for interpreting literature on disability from a viewpoint which is sensitive to variations in epistemological presuppositions and to political implications of research for the administration and…

Discusses current and future economic issues and the need for an aging population to claim benefits from the income of younger workers. Highlights include pensions, social security, Medicare, and Medicaid; demographic trends and how markets and politics respond to change; and implications for the future. (LRW)

Argues that the recent feminist analyses of gender and power can illuminate the situation of the profession of composition studies as it has struggled for legitimacy and power within the academy. Focuses on the negative consequences of identification with the sciences and social sciences on the part of empirical researchers as the field struggled…

Analyzes the evolution of public library boards in Ontario (Canada) from a politico-historical perspective. The need for librarians to play a more active, visible role in politics is suggested; the origin of the board form of governance is explained; and future possibilities, including abolishing public library boards, are discussed. (Contains 28…

Addresses issues relating to federal legislation that provides electronic access to federal databases and information through the Government Printing Office (GPO). Highlights include the role of depository libraries; public access; funding; publishing restrictions; national standards; and political issues, including opposition from the National…

Examines the general strategies of Bill Clinton and George Bush in the 1992 presidential campaign regarding the abortion issue among the complex of family values appeals and in the context of the "culture war." Analyzes the rhetorical power of the dead fetus image shown in campaign advertising. Speculates on the influence of the abortion…

Discusses the new sociology of education and suggests applications to current research and practice in the field of librarianship. Connections of librarianship to dominant political, social, and economic trends are stressed, and the need for library research to study those connections is emphasized. (78 references) (LRW)

Discusses cultural disintegration and religious, political, and social disputes in light of Columbus' quincentenary. Cites historical encounters between Europeans and native populations of the United States (inability to recognize the human nature of strangers, misunderstanding sexual mores, and rapid degeneration from friendship and simple…

Discussion of the impact of popular music on studying historical and contemporary experiences of U.S. life focuses on the use of music to help social studies teachers convey the controversial nature of the Vietnam War. Songs with related themes are listed, and views of social studies education in popular music are also discussed. (LRW)

Adult educators' involvement with environmental issues is associated with morality, political education, and social change. Empowering the powerless raises the question of the definition of social power and the role of education in helping people reflect critically on their relationship to the environment--mastery and control versus coexistence.…

Maintains that advertising can help people become more aware of social responsibilities. Describes a successful nationwide newspaper advertising competition for college students in which ads address social issues such as literacy, drugs, teen suicide, and teen pregnancy. Notes how the ads have helped grassroots programs throughout the United…

Discusses changes in the writing of Canadian historical writing during the past two decades. Argues that neo-Marxism and socialism form the current model on which most Canadian historiography is based. Concludes that Canadian history teaching suffers from this trend. (CFR)

It is argued that African countries need both local and foreign languages and that the roles of these languages are complementary. An African language can become official and national, and a medium of instruction; the choice is determined by political and socioeconomic factors. (21 references) (Author/LB)

Maintains that one of the most difficult problems faced by English department chairpersons arises from the widely divergent theoretical or ideological positions of faculty members. Argues for faculty to stop abusing one another and illustrates departmental discord in an imaginative fiction involving "Roger" and "Rose." (HB)

Presents historical trends toward rural development policy. Describes the agrarian perspective and the industrial and urbanization perspective as current visions which guide policy. Recommends a new vision focusing on "livability for people" and "viability of community systems." (KS)