These days, processes of corruption in colleges and universities are vividly reflected in the mass consciousness. In spite of numerous reports about these processes in the mass media, however, there are no exact data about the prevalence of bribery in higher education. Just what phenomena of bribery exist in higher education, and to what extent?…

Recent changes in policy and research regarding immigrants and schools in France are examined in this paper. The first part discusses changes in France's social and political context--in the immigrant population and in educational policies. The second section reviews theoretical explanations of immigrant school performance with regard to social…

Assesses two opposing theories regarding the causes of the social disengagement of African-American youth. Argues that many of these youth adapt to their problematic environments and engage in antisocial behaviors. Urges further research on their attitudes, perceptions, and behavior about sexuality and fatherhood. (FMW)

Most theories on the low socioeconomic status of Blacks have been grounded in sociology and economics, have concentrated on largely quantitative data on occupation and income distribution among Blacks and between Blacks and Whites, and have presented a disfunctional picture of Black economic life. It is time now to turn to anthropological studies…

Reviews personality studies examining relationship between personality and choice of librarianship as profession and observes changes in theories and methods of measurement that have taken place over past 35 years. A brief overview of different approaches to understanding personality and summary of theories of vocational choice are presented. (72…

In this paper, we argue against the over-simplistic accusation that the media "dumb down" the study of history. Instead, we critically examine the contemporary presentation of history on British television within a framework of analysis of commodification and consumption. We argue that central to the debate is the idea that whilst…

In this volume, the Rural Sociological Society Task Force on Persistent Rural Poverty analyzes the leading explanations of persistent rural poverty and points out new directions in theory that should provide a firmer foundation for antipoverty policies and programs. Written by over 50 leading social scientists, the Task Force report explains that…

This paper explores the insights of five social theorists regarding families, schools, and parent-teacher relations. The five theorists are: (1) Urie Bronfenbrenner, a child psychologist and advocate of public policies that support families, who argues that frequent, positive communication between parents and teachers creates the optimal…

A number of sociological research findings on middle class bias of the traditional public school are reviewed. Unless the effective schools research movement expands to include alternative educational research structures in its research efforts, it may fail to find effective schools that are equally effective for both low and middle socioeconomic…

The sociology of education is concerned with the study of groups of people within educational institutions. This book analyzes the sociology of American education from a historical viewpoint. The chapters in the book derive from social theory, the sociology of organizations, the sociology of work and professions, and the study of class, race, and…

Focusing on the social nature of reading instruction provides another direction to research and study that both differs from and adds to cognitive research. H. Mehan's theory of social constructivism emphasizes that the development of cognitive processes occurs within the individual through the internalization of interactions between learners and…

The future theory and practice of distance education is considered in light of social theory, particularly social structures and systems. Distance education as a multi-national instructional industry is discussed, theories of teaching and learning are described, and 39 references are provided. (LRW)

Small communities require the services of professionals such as doctors and teachers, but most professionals are trained in metropolitan areas. Urban-trained professionals are seldom prepared for the social and cultural differences that confront them when they move to rural communities. Such newcomers frequently experience culture shock--the…

Evaluates the relative importance of educational, economic, and cultural factors in supporting the emergence and stability of democracy. Data from over 100 countries on long-term changes in democracy, 1965-80 and 1980-88, support an institutional perspective that emphasizes the impact of elite higher education (as opposed to mass education and…

Reviews the literature on child victimization as the manifestation of social distress, and evaluates major representative concepts of 9 paradigms identified from 46 theories, models, and perspectives. The following three stages in child victimization theories have occurred: (1) speculations (1960s); (2) introspective explorations (1970s); and (3)…