Thirty-nine second grade children were subjects of an experiment devised to test the prediction derived from cognitive dissonance theory that mild threats are more effective than severe threats in obtaining internalization of prohibitions. (Author/NH)

The child's creative potential may be fostered in the classroom by (1) story-telling, (2) expressing interest in the child's attempts to write stories and poetry, (3) allowing freedom and time for the child's creative efforts and (4) helping the child to associate creative effort with pleasure. (NH)

Presents data on frequency of use of "ritualized speech" and "sociocentric" and "egocentric" phrases in middle- and working-class adolescents. Results show no overall social class differences but two classes differ from student speakers. Suggests differences in speech patterns may be determined by "local"…

Determined nonbiological characteristics that discriminated between age groups and hypothesized life stages for these groups (provisional adulthood, age 30 transition, and settling down). Life stages do not fit completely but were of some use in describing the age groups, particularly provisional adulthood and settling down. (Author/BEF)

The material goods referred to by William Brashler in his characterization of the Black middle class serve more as symbols of status than as indicators of economic power. Despite assertions by Brashler, Safire, and others, the fact remains that Blacks are in a relatively powerless position vis-a-vis Whites in the United States. (Author/GC)

The Mapping Vocational Challenges inventory was completed by 217 at-risk inner-city adolescents and 198 suburban middle-class adolescents. Exploratory factor analyses found only four of six Holland themes accurately portrayed both groups' conception of occupations. Suburban adolescents had more occupational information and better-defined concept…

Although neotraditional architecture largely focuses on promoting sense of community (SOC), it has the potential to influence environmentalism in residents as well. In October 2002, the authors conducted a mail survey of 1,611 middleclass homeowners in Gainesville, Florida, to determine if there were differences in SOC and environmental behaviors,…

This paper focuses on the wildly successful blockbuster "American Pie" teenpics, especially "American Pie 3--The Wedding". I argue that these films are specifically designed to appeal to teenage male audiences, and to provide lessons in sex and romance. Movies like this are especially important as they are experienced by far more teenagers than,…

Middle-class African American adolescents' and parents' (n = 82 families) everyday conflicts were examined longitudinally over 2 years. The number and frequency of conflicts did not change from early to middle adolescence, but mothers rated conflicts as less intense and adolescents rated conflicts as more intense over time. Conflicts over…

This study is a quantitative descriptive research design which compared 1995 and 2005 data regarding family influence on rural Pennsylvania high school seniors' postsecondary decisions. A chi-square analysis at p less than 0.05 determined that there was (a) an increase in students planning college attendance, (b) a decrease in students not…

This article addresses an enduring concern in the sociology of education: how social class differences are reproduced through schooling. In particular it focuses on the functioning of pedagogy in this regard. The article presents a model that elucidates the inner logic of pedagogy in order to reveal the structuring of inequality with respect to…