The author reviews the structure and role of the German Studentenwerke, local student service associations, and their programs for students. Examines the effect of German unification on student services to illustrate current problems and issues. Describes how Studentenwerks have managed to obtain greater financial freedom, have improved their…

This paper discusses the relationship between national identity and the so-called "marginal" areas of Irish television, i.e., advertisements, continuity announcements, and promotional trailers. The following issues are considered: (1) how these "spaces" between television programs compare in terms of use and influence to…

The increasing number of women today becoming involved in political activities and holding elective office is evidence of the changes in women's roles in politics which began in the 1960s. Role change began with increased political activity in the 1960s Civil Rights Movement. In the late 1960s and early 1970s feminist organizations were formed to…

A review of research on the roles played by the mass media and the political parties during the agenda-setting stage of political activity in the United States indicates that the mass media have assumed some of the informing and issue-initiating functions generally understood to be performed by political parties. It seems desirable to develop an…

As a contribution to Black protest historiography, "Along the Color Line" contains some good empirical work on a number of Black leaders, ideologies, and civil rights organizations. However, Meier and Rudwick fail to provide an original and coherent perspective on the nature and function of Black leadership and ideology. (Author/EB)

The first wave of recent educational criticism focused on educational mediocrity, and the second wave faulted teacher education. Reform initiatives then began in state government and the business sector. While the obstacles are formidable, hard choices and creative solutions can move real reform forward. (MSE)

Discussion of changes in the world of children's publishing and in the sociopolitical climate of the United States between 1960 and 1985 covers changes in the markets for children's books, subject matter, and formats, as well as specific trends in picture books and nonfiction. (EM)

A review of bilingual education's history in Australia indicates widespread support of bilingualism and bilingual instruction since the nineteenth century, but a decline and end to bilingual programs during the first half of this century. Different state attitudes toward multiculturalism appear to have affected this aspect of educational history.…

Argues that comparative and international research in the United States reflects the interests of the United States government. Claims such an ideological position defines the field's theoretical and methodological parameters. Cultural studies offer a perspective on this bias and offer a comprehensive, contextualized approach to the study of…

The knowledge base of state politics involved in formation of educational policies has become richer and more complex, with individual research findings beginning to hang together. Continued study of political cultures and policy makers' orientations is needed to create a knowledge base that can support theory development. (CB)

Analyzes the crucial role of schooling in the economic, social, and political development of a citizenry in the developing nations of Africa. Information is presented on the family and the school, political socialization, the recruitment of elites through the school system, vestiges of colonialism, the impact of independence, and transmission of…

Reviews educational practice in elementary and secondary schools in Scotland with emphasis on the back to basics movement, national test scores, teacher attitudes, curriculum choice, and standards of performance. Concludes that future educational developments will include stress on external examinations and basic education. (DB)

Presents case studies representing various points of view on the question of whether academic institutions can remain neutral. Excerpts are presented from the writings of Kenneth Strike, Robert H. Ennis, John Dewey, and Louis Althusser. (DB)

Describes three class activities that help students analyze the mass media messages of political candidates and that give students insights into language manipulation techniques. (RL)

Presents how and why programs embodying family policy in Western Europe and the United States differ. By indicating current changes in these programs and how political decisions affect them, fruitful areas for family policy research are suggested. Family policy meeting needs of pragmatically defined parent-child units will be most successful.…