Social systems, like biological systems, sometimes manifest dysfunctions that could be considered forms of "social disease." The author interprets the term "social diseases" as "persistent dysfunctions of social relations" that disrupt the normal functioning of particular elements of society or the entire social…

The urgent demographic situation has led to an acute awareness of the necessity of far-reaching decisions to strengthen the family and implement radical measures of family policy. Many experts are talking about the crisis of the institution of the family, about the loss of the importance of family values among a substantial portion of Russians,…

Improving the quality of life of the people of Russia--a paramount national priority--requires optimizing scientific activity and substantially increasing its technological success rate and social effectiveness, and reforming the administrative structure, in short, the fundamentalization of present-day science. The connection between fundamental…

Considers the current chaotic state of affairs in Russia and the world and advocates a thorough overhaul of the Russian educational system. Articulates this new system in terms of broad objectives and principles. Attempts a reconciliation of Marxist economic analysis and the postindustrial world. (MJP)

This collection of documents examines the response of the Jewish people--primarily in Russia but also in the West--to the sociological and political crises of Tsarist Russia between the years 1800 and 1914. It emphasizes in particular the emergence and interaction of the two ideologies which formulated the most radical solutions to the Jewish…

The process of economic reforms in Russia has been accompanied by drastic and negative phenomena in rural education, by a worsening of the already large difference in levels of schooling of young people in the countryside and in the cities. The present study is one of the first attempts at a comprehensive approach, from the standpoint of sociology…

Presents a brief overview of the current disintegration of Russian society. Maintains that the decline in social services and the education system, in particular, threatens the well-being of Russian children. Currently Russia's educational system is failing to provide for its students' needs. (MJP)

Surveys 600 Russian college students regarding their hopes for the future, economic and social advancement, and personal information. Argues that, although students generally are optimistic about their future, many fail to exhibit the self-discipline necessary to be successful. Skepticism about the government is endemic. (MJP)

Presents the results of a major study that attempts to define the occupational characteristics of the teaching profession in post-Soviet Russia. Compiles and summarizes a wide array of information concerning educational background, salaries, certification, professional attitudes, prestige, and other factors among Russian teachers. Includes…