This document contains two extended papers and one shorter commentary that reflect a continuing debate between two schools of thought on literacy that have been called the "autonomous" and the "sociocultural.""The Persisting Power and Costs of the Literacy Myth" (Harvey J. Graff) argues that current discourse on literacy decline ignores more than 2 decades of research and theory on literacy contexts, multiple literacies, and the complex interrelationships affecting literacy. "Literacy, Economy and Society--A Review" (Brian V. Street) addresses issues of defining literacy practices and cultural bias in the IALS (International Adult Literacy Survey), and power differences between research communities and the methodologies used. "Ending the Myth of the Literacy Myth" (Stan Jones) disputes Graff's and Street's challenges to the findings of the IALS. (KC)