Examines what wetland conservation means to different groups of Louisiana's coastal residents. Describes coastal resources, reasons for their deterioration, conservation efforts, and the impact of a public perception that conservation of wetlands is closely tied to conservation of the existing lifestyle. (LZ)

Refers to a particular approach to conservation as a "story," a specific way of conceptualizing experience. Examines the failure of existing cultural explanations and the process of redefining the parameters and possibilities for what can count as conservation. Discusses biases in conservation stories arising from a blind faith in…

Using data from interviews with single mothers and records of child abuse, mothers' boyfriends' overrepresentation in child abuse was traced to five conditions, including the single parent situation, their gender, the absence of genetic relationship to the children, perceived illegitimacy as caregivers and family members, and rivalry with the…

A recent national survey of sexual behavior in the United States, whose initial funding was controversial, reveals few surprising results. It reveals information about homosexuality, sexual abuse, how couples first meet, and how individuals' sexual choices are constrained by the social networks in which they operate. (MSE)

The extent to which differences in age-graded sociocultural contexts influenced adolescent future-oriented goals, concerns, and related temporal extension was studied in 596 Australian adolescents. Overall, results show that goals, concerns, and related temporal extension reflect the major developmental tasks of adolescents' own ages. (SLD)

Sociocultural approaches to literacy question several related assumptions inherited from the discipline of cognitive psychology, including the following: (1) thinking and speaking are functions of individual minds; (2) literacy is an individual mental skill involving the ability to read and write; and (3) intelligence, knowledge, and aptitude are…

The ancient Makah village of Ozette in northwest Washington, buried for centuries under mud, was exposed by a storm in 1970. Based on excavations and oral tradition, daily life in this village is portrayed, including longhouse construction, clothing, whale and seal hunts, fishing, social structure, slavery, ceremonies, and potlatches. Contains…

The emerging field of book history focuses on the context in which printed materials are produced and received. Book history scholars are crossing disciplines and national boundaries to establish a new scholarship and pedagogy about the culture of books. Study of the history of reading is a central interest. (MSE)

Comparative education scholarship on legitimation and educational knowledge has shifted from natural scientific definitions of knowledge to more socially critical conceptions, and encompasses both the specific processes whereby educational knowledge becomes legitimate and the dialectical relationship between legitimation of knowledge in…

Discusses the limitations of Hirsch's concept of cultural literacy and suggests that the anthropological concept of cross-cultural literacy is more appropriate. Reviews (1) the resolutions of the Council on Anthropology and Education that are concerned with cultural diversity; and (2) the controversies surrounding bilingual education. (EVL)

Discusses notable changes occurring in early childhood education and the National Association for Education of Young Children: (1) both are experiencing unprecedented growth; (2) the increased attention from media, politicians, business, researchers, policymakers, and parents has created challenges for both; and (3) there are new leadership…

Identifies the social dimensions of learning. Advocates a teaching approach that is sensitive to the various barriers encountered by a diverse body of students seeking to negotiate access into the subculture of school science. (Author/CCM)

Addresses concerns at the community, state, and federal level regarding illiteracy that have led to the demand for educational reform. Quotes statements from the 18th century to the present. Discusses the social/cultural context of literacy and learning, and casts a critical eye on several documents significant to the nation's view of literacy and…

Presents the structure and organization of science education in Kenya from preschool to university level. Addresses such sociocultural issues as religion and acceptance or resistance to science by Kenyan society. (Author/VWL)

Discusses the role of the lesbian writer in addressing the invisibility of teenage readers. Argues that writing about homosexuality is a matter of presenting it rather than promoting it. Includes a review of "The Year they Burned the Books." (NH)