Examines three theses that attempt to explain the rise of concentrated poverty and the growth of racial inequality in urban areas. Census data from 1970 and 1980 for Detroit (Michigan) provide the most support for the idea that economic decline and uneven economic growth are responsible. (SLD)

Describes knowledge, perceptions, and risky behaviors related to Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) of 1,173 impoverished African-American and high- and low-acculturated Latina women. Data indicate the need for culturally sensitive AIDS prevention programs with separate sessions for women of different ethnic backgrounds and acculturation…

Describes the first phase of the Urban Opportunity Program, which has studied the choices that determine lifetime opportunity for the poor and changes in the performance of urban markets and institutions that have historically supported opportunity. Characteristics of U.S. cities and future directions for the program are discussed. (SLD)

Investigates how poverty, perceived economic status, coping, and defense behaviors interrelate. Asks if social support moderates this relationship, using sample consisting of 150 Indian men. Finds that perceived economic status is dependent on physical environment and income. Concludes that poverty made coping and defense behaviors more difficult,…

Analysis of 206 cases of severely abused and/or neglected children over a 4-year period resulted in the conclusion that children are poorly served by delays in the existing Massachusetts social service/legal system. Among specific findings were that two-thirds of parents were poor, 84 percent were psychiatrically disordered, and foster care…

Describes a study that was conducted to determine the information needs of women in rural areas of Nigeria. Survey results are reported concerning age, education, occupation, economic status, and sources of useful information; and solutions to solve the information gap that center around disseminating information through radio messages are…

Argues that increasing welfare dependence and family breakdown among the poor are not the result of the Great Society social programs but were set to occur before any Great Society policies. Issues long ignored must be faced if today's social problems are to be solved. (SLD)

Children (n=185) identified as at risk because of poverty were assessed on overall adjustment and academic progress during grades 1-3. Results suggested that excellent decisions were made in terms of who received special educational assistance. There did not appear to be any bias in the referral process. (Author/JDD)

Analyzes why the current complex of social institutions and systems does not effectively serve poor children, highlighting the lack of early or preventative help for families and inappropriate organizational structure. Offers a series of five principles for a new foundation based on prevention, comprehensiveness, continuity, and accountability.…

This lesson plan is designed to help students understand urban poverty by studying Cleveland, Ohio's social welfare services. Includes learning objectives, class activities, five scenarios of family and area conditions, and a case study of the "K" family. Describes actions taken by the social agency, The Associated Charities. (NL)

A clinical progress report is presented concerning how the infants and children of Harlem (New York City) have endured the past six years. Crack abuse, acquired immune deficiency syndrome, social disorganization, and violence have been added to the traditional concomitants of poverty. Proposals are made for improvement. (SLD)

The impact of family situations on the health of children is examined along the dimensions of (1) the growing povertization of parents who are of color; (2) health risks for children in poverty; and (3) consequences of placement in the foster care system. (SLD)

Reviews research findings concerning elementary education in the inner city. Explains low-income children are vulnerable to school failure before entering school. Examines classroom variables and instructional factors, claiming conventional schooling places low demands on students. States research provides a model for making data based decisions…

Discusses social and economic trends in American society that have direct effects on African-American families. Social policy contributing to the negative well-being of African-American families is discussed. The economic alienation of African-American men is explored as a major contributor to families headed by single female parents. (SLD)

Responds to "Identity, Metamorphosis, and Ethnographic Research: What Kind of Story Is Ways with Words?" by Suzanne deCastell and Tom Walker (1991). Describes the author's reaction to "Ways with Words--Language, Life and Work in Communities and Classrooms" by Shirley Brice Heath (1983). (SLD)