The keynote address on which this article is based considers four stages or types of studies that qualitative researchers undertake in the field of education. The reason that I explored this focus was to illustrate the benefits and the dangers of designing studies to serve policy makers. The research that I selected sought to uncover information…

Rural sociology needs a conceptualization of social change and its implications for the discipline. Scientifically adequate conceptualization would enable rural sociologists to understand their own and others' social roles as activities which are aspects of social change. With this understanding the rural sociologist could conceive of his…

Reports on a study of trends in the segregation in fields of study by sex for recipients of college degrees in the 1980s. Examines three dimensions of segregation: (1) unevenness; (2) concentration or crowding; and (3) intergroup academic contact. Finds a slowdown in the trend toward gender integration after 1985. (CFR)

Presents reactions to a survey of attitudes toward history, historiography, and instruction among contemporary historians. Contends that both museums and universities are undergoing fundamental transformations and that more communication between historians and museum curators is desirable. (CFR)

Examines the various ways that social sciences can promote the social and governmental transformative process in Eastern Europe. Defines three functions of social sciences: to reveal real processes, to understand and diagnose problems, and to foresee future trends. Discusses the tensions among social scientists and policy makers and politicians.…

Praises and summarizes James Bernard Murphy's "The Moral Economy of Labor: Aristotelian Themes in Economic Theory." Linking economic theories from Adam Smith to Karl Marx, Murphy criticizes traditional economic and social thinking regarding the division of labor. He proposes an integration of conceptualization and execution to humanize…

Examines the dynamic and growing use of oral history in documenting the various social and political movements of the 1960s. Discusses those historical analyses and approaches particularly well served by oral history. Notes a decline in oral history in some areas due to logistical and funding difficulties. (MJP)

Reports that many respondents on a historians' survey believe that they have become too specialized and that their profession has been cut off from the public. Contends that broadening history's coverage of underrepresented groups has fragmented the scholarly world and led to this specialization. (CFR)

Examines the results of a survey of historians about democratic values, ethnocentrism, and racism. Describes the origins, development, and current efforts of the National Afro-American Museum and Cultural Center in Ohio. Concludes that museums are important places to learn and that values should be central to what is taught in museums. (CFR)

Asserts that a survey of historians indicates a divided profession in the United States and South Africa. Contends that history designed to instill national consciousness and identity risks becoming didactic and teleological. (CFR)

Maintains that sociology must reconceptualize the meaning of multiethnic societies and regions and also advance theories about how such social organizations came into being and transform themselves through conflicting and peaceful processes. Briefly reviews traditional approaches and outlines new areas of study. (MJP)

Describes the background and impact of the History Workshop at the University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa, on the role of history in shaping South African society since 1977. Asserts that a revolution in historical writing has taken place and that it has reached the general public through public conferences. (CFR)

Identifies four major problem areas in current moral education research. Reviews research programs to determine their effectiveness. Identifies the elements of moral psychology. Examines possible alternative pathways of moral development. Relates individual moral development to group morality. Concludes with some broad guidelines for future…

Presents extensive empirical evidence with accompanying explanations concerning the drastic decline in both the quantity and quality of sociology students. Suggests the proliferation of business programs and the rise of conservative ideology as the main culprits. Reviews the American Sociological Association's recommendations for curriculum…

Maintains scientists may study topics that are of personal interest. Reports on a study of social backgrounds of 405 sociologists. Finds confirmation that women and ethnic minorities belong disproportionately to sex/gender and race/ethnic specializations. (CFR)