The biraderi system of kin relations in Punjab consists of a larger circle of relatives who share a common identity through its name and a more restricted circle determined by competitive gift giving. Functions of this institution are outlined and their implications are traced for a developing country like Pakistan. (Author)

The guest editor of this special issue of "Educational Technology comments on each of the articles included and notes that "the teacher's role is diversified, and it is in a state of transition as a result of the dynamic state of society and the schools. (Author/LS)

Critiques the concept of ethnolinguistic vitality developed by Giles, Bourhis, and Taylor. Argues that the dimensions of vitality outlined are ambiguous, and gross and inexact tools of analysis in their application. (EKN)

Shows how archaeological interpretation based strictly on the evidence of architectural remains may lead to inaccurate conclusions about social patterns in extinct societies. An ethnographic study of an Iranian Kurdish village is used to illustrate the possible variations of residential social relationships within buildings with similar…

Argues that archaeologists should not assume a one-to-one correlation between the number of houses and households. A case study of a contemporary Iranian village is presented where most households do not live in self-contained dwelling units. Methods of recognizing this fragmented household pattern in the archaeological record are discussed. (AM)

Presents five guidelines for developing an analytical approach to studying culture at a distance through feature films. The choice of films, questions to ask, and how to identify specialists to conduct the analysis are discussed. (BK)

The author asserts that schools must adapt and plan for future social developments, and that gifted education must focus on developing coping, adapting, and shaping skills. (CL)

The industrialization of American society requires a modification in teacher education toward a structuralist perspective. (LH)

Proposes a theory of rhetoric which argues that all problems can be stated as problems of communication, and communication can be employed as a means for their definition, analysis, and resolution. Suggests a theory which can make people of one mind, yet of different opinion, act in coordination. (JMF)

Explores the sociocultural implications of the Internet: differences between analog and digital realities, knowledge versus facts, global connections versus individual isolation, ideal versus real self, equality versus privilege, and mall versus haven. (SK)

Makes a case for an alternative epistemology of research based on the hermeneutic-phenomenology of Max van Manen (1990). This interpretive approach to understanding the nature of a social phenomenon involves the researcher in making explicit the meaning of a particular lived experience and generating a pedagogical thoughtfulness in readers.…

Integrates recent views of early perceptual-cognitive growth with accounts on the development of communication in infancy. Emphasizes supporting evidence for a view that combines innate perceptual and constructive mechanisms with associative memory in explaining how human infants process information. Also considers how the sociocultural…

The author provides a brief history of participatory research and presents this methodology as an alternative system of knowledge production. Benefits of participatory research are listed and continuities and ambiguities are treated. The author also discusses links between participatory research and contemporary social movements. (CH)