Discusses the development of social policy since 1901, with special emphasis on the War on Poverty. Analyzes the relationships among poverty, social norms, and family structure. Outlines the problems of the new social condition, characterized by drug abuse and welfare dependency. (FMW)

Reviews available research studies of high-conflict divorce and its effects on children. Factors believed to contribute to high-conflict divorce are explored, and a model of their interrelationships is proposed. Dispute resolution, intervention, and prevention programs are discussed, and implications for social policy are outlined. (SLD)

Provides an overview of what is known about the problem of sexual abuse of children and society's response to it. A list of recommendations is provided by the Center for the Future of Children, and an analysis is presented in the following areas: scope and nature of child sexual abuse; reporting, investigation, and adjudication; and treatment and…

News stories from metropolitan daily newspapers were compared with child maltreatment reports made to mandated agencies on a local and national basis over 25 years. Results suggested that both child maltreatment reports and news coverage increased over the period surveyed. Media reports increased simultaneously with, rather than prior to,…

Explores the legal and educational dilemmas surrounding high school journalism by investigating how journalism educators' attitudes on how students' intellectual freedom can be protected in the public schools. Discusses academic advisor role and this issue. Provides answers to questions central to the debate, including a list of some social issues…

An optimistic view of the potential of evaluation to be a force for social improvement is presented. The most important unfinished task for evaluation may be to expand the logic of value judgments. In addition, the social usefulness of evaluation will depend on its credibility and the professionalism of evaluators. (SLD)

Presents critical responses to Ron K. Unz's 1994 article, "Immigration or the Welfare System" which challenged the notion that out-of-control immigration is fueling a host of social and economic problems, from crime to welfare dependency to job loss, and suggested that welfare policies are the real cause of social breakdown. Unz's response is…

Discusses responses of undergraduate students in an American literature course to inclusion of ethnic reading selections. Finds that two themes--family and social justice--were touchstones to choose reading selections that older adolescents find personally meaningful. (RS)

A look back at the 1965 Moynihan report makes it apparent that the nation has experienced further social decline in the past three decades and that society is becoming inured to the trauma. It is encouraging that public discourse is beginning to acknowledge society's problems and look for solutions. (SLD)

A random telephone survey of 1,004 households in the Washington, DC, area found that alcohol use and alcohol-impaired driving, in particular, were seen as a serious problem by over 80% of the respondents. Strong support was found for legal sanctions against underage alcohol use. (SLD)

Provides comments on the long-term growth and adaptation of immigrant youth born after 1965 and living in the United States. The author explores the impact of immigration laws, discrimination, and economic opportunities in American society on today's children of immigrants and how these conditions can drive them into the lower socioeconomic…

This examination and discussion of the types and quantity of government resources produced for children from 1940 to 1990 reveals that most books aimed at young readers deal with the following topics: safety education, drug abuse, the environment, health, Native American folktales, birth control, and stamp collecting. A 159-item annotated…

Summarizes literature on identity formation in individuals from socially devalued racial and ethnic groups in U.S. Discusses implications for adolescents in foster care or residential group homes, many of whom are African American or Latino. Postulates that social maladaptation is reflective of identity disturbances created by negative images of…

Discusses the contributions of issues-centered education to a multicultural education program. Suggests that middle school students will develop an open-ended attitude toward social problems that aids the development of problem-solving skills. Presents an example of a multicultural issue including background information and a script of a class…

This annotated bibliography lists 569 documents from local, state, provincial, and national governments and from international organizations that have been selected on the basis of their reference value and/or subject coverage. Topics covered include health sciences, business and economics, government and politics, social problems, education,…