Among the many life transitions that individuals must master throughout their lives, the transition to adulthood ranks very high in terms of importance, complexity and uniqueness. It involves the completion of education, and the assumption of new social roles and responsibilities, at a time when previous institutional structures that guided…

Vietnam has made remarkable progress over the past two decades in its transition to a market economy resulting in numerous changes to both its social and economic institutions. It is a nation at peace focusing on economic development and integrating into the world economy. Although the tragic events in Vietnam's history cannot be forgotten, the…

Tenure itself is not the central issue in the debate over faculty tenure; honest faculty evaluation, adequate faculty development, and termination when appropriate are the real issues as are fears that abandonment of the tenure principle would amount to abandonment of the principles of academic freedom and shared governance. (MSE)

Social historians are taught that historical changes are caused by large social and economic forces, rather than great individuals; and so they study groups of people, broad economic movements, and underlying institutional structures that change slowly over time. But the general public demands information about the individual person told through…

This presentation addresses three basic social issues generated by the computer revolution. The first section, "Money Matters," focuses on the economic effects of computer technology. These include the replacement of workers by fully automated machines, the threat to professionals posed by expanded access to specialized information, and the…

Issues in balancing health services and costs in a changing society, where groups have differential access to health care, are discussed, including need for a universal health care system, growing cost of health care for the elderly, prolongation of life among older adults, and the claims of children on services. (MSE)

Recent trends in French society are outlined, focusing on the decline of major institutions (the state, political parties, unions, education, and church), the decline of civic consciousness, the cult of money and competition, the cult of the media, evolution of social classes, and changes in the role of the family. (MSE)

This collection of essays examines the changes that have occurred in Russia since the dissolution of the USSR in 1991. A historical perspective is used to show that many of the changes were underway during perestroika and that post-Soviet developments are an extension of those changes. The book is divided into four sections. Section 1, "The…

This book examines the personal, moral, cultural, and political dimensions of teaching in the context of rapid and far-reaching change within teachers' work and in the world beyond it. The chapters in Part One examine the powerful forces for change in society and how those forces are exerting pressure on existing institutions. Issues such as the…

This curriculum unit is designed to meet the course objective of analyzing how social, economic, and political changes impact work and family dynamics by examining issues from Hungary, a country in transition. The unit can be used in family relations or sociology courses for grades 11-12 in high school or at the undergraduate college level. The…

Argues that enormous changes in the world economy, the production of goods and services, and demographics mandate a more flexible approach to educational inquiry. Criticizes the foundations and practice of organizational theory as being hierarchical and Eurocentric. Concludes with a series of suggested models utilizing a more qualitative approach.…

This speech addresses the problem of higher education's response to the forces of change and argues for a reinventing of higher education rather than repeatedly amending core teaching and research activities to fit new social and economic situations. Three higher education organizational dynamics (recruitment, budgeting, and handling outside…

Because of rapid growth and social/economic change, higher education systems in Europe experienced two great shocks: the 1968 student revolt and contraction in enrollments and resources. The result is a radical reshaping of bases for policymaking and planning. Problems emerging include economically determined objectives, indecisive curricula,…

An address to dental school deans looks at anticipated changes in the health care system, the public sector's changing role in health care, and draws implications for dentistry. It is suggested that academic health centers, and especially dental schools, will be particularly affected by these trends. (MSE)

This packet of lessons focuses on the transition from a legacy of central planning to a market orientation in the economic systems of Central and Eastern Europe, the newly independent states of the former Soviet Union, and China. These lessons seek to provide high school teachers with a well-informed approach to teaching about this transition. The…