Introduces a theoretical framework applicable to the political and social uses made of humor. Focuses on the uses individuals make of jokes and joking in relation to the constant interchange involved between institutional stability and social change. (FL)

Uses the example of Samuel Richardson's readers' responses to his characters as "real" to illustrate the importance of readers' attitudes toward book characters. (DD)

The article, Part III in a series, discusses the normalization and deinstitutionalization of the mentally retarded in Australia. Two conceptions of normalization are critically examined--W. Wolfensberger's and Nirje's--including costs, benefits, problems, and underlying assumptions. (For Parts I and II, see EC 120 881.) (DLS)

These papers present a counseling approach emphasizing the individuality of the client. Additionally, the physical and social environment in which the individual client interacts and the constraints this environment might place on that client should be considered. Counseling strategies maximizing the individual's potential within her environment…

Maintains that Shweder, Helwig, and the other respondents to Gabennesch attribute to Gabennesch a denial of moral law and that this is a misinterpretation of the argument. Maintains that the critics deny the implications of the social construction of reality, leading them to reject the concept of transparency. Describes alleged shortcomings of the…

Many have incorrectly assumed that, because of recently developed treatments, human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome is now a manageable disease. These false assumptions contribute to the increase in risk behaviors and a decrease in society's response to the epidemic. (Author/JOW)

Discussion of the label "gifted" notes negative connotations in society in general and among educators, recent definitions of "gifted," and the contrast of these attitudes with the admiration given star athletes or performing artists. It concludes that the field of gifted education needs to provide convincing, research-based information and…

This article explores the views of several UK officials on the concepts of performativity and the culture of performance on knowledge management. In his recorded statement in a new BBC4 series, Chancellor Gordon Brown stated that the markets provide opportunities for prosperity, but equally they are not automatically equated with the public…

In this paper, the authors discuss the influence of democracy and law on music education in Sweden and Finland, and the potential for music education as training in democracy. The latter consideration can be instructive regardless of the nation, or its laws and paradigms of music education. The theoretical background is based on Jurgen Habermas'…

In this essay, the author draws on her experience as a minority teacher conducting a course called "Neighborhood, Community, and Identity" to outline some important lessons for minority teachers attempting to teach diversity: (1) When teaching dissident material, it is especially important to create a classroom climate that encourages all students…

Elder abuse has received attention among professionals only recently; consequently, guidelines for identification and intervention strategies for the professional in the clinical setting remain speculative and untested. Because the problem of family violence is multidimensional, no professional can be expected to meet the needs of every member of…

Questions of censorship in education have been debated at length for decades, but it is only in recent years that the dialectic called public opinion has refined the issue in terms of the distinctions between guidelines and censorship. Despite the many differences with regard to inclusion and exclusion (including perspective, techniques, and…

Discusses the relationship of Michel Foucault's work to the human perspective. Argues that Fisher is inaccurate in characterizing Foucault as an "anti-humanist." Claims that Foucault's concept of the "statement" and his method of critique turn the humanist perspective toward a liberating, activist form that allows for change…

The state of Black-Jewish relations in the United States is far healthier, despite some differences of opinion, than the popular perception suggests. The issues that are usually cited as constituting the breakdown in harmonious Jewish-Black relations are discussed. (RM)

The author describes changes in the field of retardation over the last 30 years. Briefly addressed are shifts of care from institutions to communities, increased professionalism, greater emphasis on prevention, attention to emotional problems of mentally retarded persons, changes in terminology, and social changes (such as increased competition…