Since the Human Genome Project mapped the gene sequence, new biological sciences have been generating a raft of new knowledges about the mechanisms and functions of the molecular body. One area of work that has particular potential to speak to sociology of education, is the emerging field of epigenetics. Epigenetics moves away from the mapped…

This article presents a review on "Defining deviance: sex, science, and delinquent girls, 1890-1960," by Michael A. Rembis. This is the first book by Michael A. Rembis, an Associate Professor and Director of the Center for Disability Studies at the University of Buffalo. Drawing on thousands of case files from the Illinois State Training School in…

Examines the university as it has become, studying its function in present society. The paper discusses author Allan Bloom's views in "The Closing of the American Mind" and looks at three social issues to which the university has responded somewhat successfully (university as moneymaker, mythmaker, and guardian of social…

Examines Allan Bloom's "The Closing of the American Mind," noting its purpose and style of writing. The paper discusses what Bloom means by philosophy and comments on where the book might stand in relation to contemporary movements in philosophy. (SM)

Contends that "disillusionment novels" are characterized by a circumscribed vision of the world which itself is a function of limits set upon the authors by the historical situation of their position in society. Analyzes two Nigerian classic examples of the genre, Chinua Achebe's "A Man of the People" and Wole Soyinka's…

Highlights key findings described in Barrie Thorne's book, "Gender Play: Girls and Boys in School," which reports research focusing on American children in kindergarten through sixth grade. Indicates that gender segregation starts at birth and that socialization and the environment are the most salient factors in gender segregation. (AC)

Examines Allan Bloom's "The Closing of the American Mind," focusing on the critics' charge that Bloom is undemocratic. Bloom's sense of democracy and the role assigned to the university in helping preserve his favored regime are discussed. (SM)

Discusses Allan Bloom's "The Closing of the American Mind," examining his critique of relativism, particularly cultural relativism. The paper states that the existence of cultural relativism is a cause and sign of significant fragmentation and separateness in modern society and the university. (SM)

Discusses Allan Bloom's "The Closing of the American Mind" from a Canadian point of view, contending that Bloom's angry, irrational book on failures in U.S. society and higher education does not raise interesting or important ideas. Similarities and differences between Bloom and author Hilda Neatby are noted. (SM)

Maintains that "Fostering Children's Social Competence: The Teacher's Role" masterfully distills multiple research findings into relevant trends and guidelines for early childhood educators and provides specific observations connecting abstract concepts to classroom reality. Notes limitations, including the omission of important issues such as the…

In "The End of Racism" Dinesh D'Souza proposes a theory of rational discrimination based on the recognition that there are vast civilizational differences between black and white Americans and states a case for the repeal of the Civil Rights Act because it actually harms black prospects. (SLD)

Describes the understanding, nature, and meaning of mathematical culture and the implications of mathematical culture for mathematics education. (YP)

Reviews two recent books that place the discussion of Japanese education within the social and psychological context of Japanese culture. One book depicts Japanese society's commitment to children; the other explores conceptual and empirical issues related to U.S.-Japanese comparative studies in child development. (RH)

The boundaries between entertainment, education, and commercialization collapse through Disney's reach into diverse spheres of everyday life. Disney's "innocence" is a promotional mask covering its aggressive marketing techniques and influence in transforming children into active consumers. Although Disney's films are joyous and…

Examines Allan Bloom's book, "The Closing of the American Mind," which angrily addresses failures in liberal and humane higher education in American democracy. The paper claims that though much of what Bloom writes is accurate, the book is often irrelevant and poorly written, distracting attention from the central concern. (SM)