This article makes use of survey data collected in 1992 and 2007 to examine the question of whether or not Postmaterialism is gradually becoming manifest in Hong Kong and to explore the applicability of Postmaterialist theory to this affluent Chinese society. Our findings basically support the hypotheses of the theory that the continued…

Proponents of social equality attribute low life satisfaction to income inequality in society, an inequality which occurs when most people have relatively low income and only a few have high income. In contrast, range-frequency theory and other social comparison theories predict that when most people have low income, they are satisfied because of…

Richard Quantz recognizes the puzzlemaster interaction pattern in many different classrooms in widely different sorts of high schools. When discussing the issue with sociologist Basil Bernstein, Bernstein said "Everyone seems to be interested in how schooling differs ... But what interests me is that whether I'm in London or Lisbon or Lagos…

Explores home-school relations by using three social psychology theories: (1) symbolic interactionism; (2) social exchange theory; and (3) reference group theory. States that these theories can contribute to the understanding and development of home-school relations in Hong Kong (China). (CMK)

The striving for status has long been recognized in sociology and economics. Extensive theoretical arguments and empirical evidence propose that people view status as a sign of competence and pursue it as a means to achieve power and resources. A small literature, however, based on arguments from biology and evolutionary psychology, proposes that…

This paper challenges the monolithic assumption of the anorectic families in Hong Kong by blindly adopting the western theoretical framework of family therapy. It is problematic that family therapy lacks indigenous culture-specific knowledge and ignores the voices of these multi-categories of families. It is inappropriate to conceptualize these…

A secondary analysis of interview and survey data was undertaken to explore what could be learnt about school leadership from international schools alumni. Using a framework of "values-led contingency" leadership, three features of effective principalship guide the analysis. The results highlight three salutary lessons for school…

Examines how Chinese universities are responding to globalization and internationalization. Captures some university experiences in its cultural complexity and social context. Reveals that local circumstances offset and/or resist the global. Reflects on the difficulty in managing the global within the local of a newly changed context. (CAJ)

Inasmuch as research has held the increase in youth gang activities responsible for the escalating level of crime and delinquency in Chinese societies, ascertaining risk or protective factors of gang involvement among Chinese youths is crucial. The factors include those associated with social control, social learning, and cognitive development. To…

Hypothesizes that a conservative and individualistic orientation results in the fatalistic, alienated, and helpless outlook known as hopelessness. Provides extensive references to studies and theories characterizing conservatism and a work ethic belief as manifestations of an a maladaptive stage of psychological development. (MJP)