Argues that the development of political corruption brings about important changes in the political system and in the characteristics of the political class. Describes the emergence and activities of a group of "business politicians" in Italy who have transformed political parties into socializing agencies for illicit activities. (MJP)

Defines "grand" corruption as that occurring at the higher levels of a political system and involving large sums of money. Discusses the impact and incentives for this level of corruption as well as various government responses. Identifies multinational corporations as the major malefactors. (MJP)

Examines the role of the media in the social construction of the Tangentopoli affair. Originally perceived as a minor scandal involving kickbacks on a cleaning contract, Tangentopoli became a rallying cry for reform, and seriously affected the 1994 Italian elections. Includes graphical analysis of media coverage. (MJP)

Outlines and discusses a system for predicting the winner in presidential elections. The system consists of 13 statements favoring reelection for the incumbent party. Five or fewer false statements indicate an incumbent win. Predicts President Clinton winning the 1996 election. Includes tables showing veracity of 13 keys in historical elections.…

Discusses the increased use of Peer Mediation (PM) programs to solve interpersonal conflicts in school settings in the past 10 years. Provides three distinctive models of PM programs and discusses the stages generally necessary for developing a PM program. Describes three exemplary PM programs: an elementary school model, a middle school model,…

A study involving 145 Israeli mother-child dyads examined the contribution of a multidimensional model of risk factors in explaining adaptive functioning among kindergartners with mild developmental delays considered at risk for developing learning disorders. Results indicated a high fit between the theoretical model and empirical findings.…

Argues that neoclassical conceptions of political geography separate economic from political processes and therefore ignore the consequences of economic policies. Uses discourse theory to show how the pretensions of objectivity embedded in neoclassical trade theory obscure these consequences. Briefly reviews trade theory from Adam Smith to the…

Summarizes the results of a questionnaire given to Finnish high school students and their teachers. They were asked values-oriented questions and then asked how they thought an ideal pupil would answer the same. Reveals distinct differences between teachers' and students' concept of an ideal pupil. (MJP)

An overview of empirical research conducted in Canada's core French language programs addresses eight major areas: (1) program characteristics and outcomes, (2) program supplements, (3) student characteristics, (4) enrollment influences, (5) teacher characteristics, (6) public opinion, (7) program implementation and administration, and (8)…

Discusses the relationship between research, theory, and policy in language policy formulation in the context of a "conflict" paradigm. In bilingual programs in the United States and Canada, the sociological context of the debate plays a major role in determining the choice of issues to investigate. (CB)

Maintains that, although 18th-Century historians understand the significance of environmental influences, the concept of environmental history did not emerge until the mid-1900s. Discusses the influence of Earth Day, Rachel Carson's "Silent Spring," and the landing of humans on the moon. (CFR)

A study using focus groups and interviews of 132 traditional and nontraditional college students examined factors and experiences in the transition from work or high school to college. It looked at differences between traditional and first-generation college students; the role of family, high school friendships, and peers; and developmental…

Asserts that the concept of a sustainable future for the United States is closely bound with the fate of the environment. Calls for a national dialog in which social values and social responsibility become important components of citizenship responsibility. (CFR)

Examines issues in preventing further Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection among adolescents, highlighting HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases, substance use, adolescent development, cultural and language diversity, health and social service needs, socioeconomic contexts, and role of media, school, and youth-serving organizations.…

Reports on a study of the relationship of family role and structure with academic achievement among 2,666 Anglo and 492 Mexican American high school students. Relates behavioral, attitudinal, and structural dimensions of families to students' self-reported grades. Finds that familistic attitudes are important to academic success. (CFR)