This paper names and describes a common, growing, and dangerous psychological syndrome: Youth Violence Syndrome (YVS). YVS is characterized by at least nine behaviors: (1) hopelessness; (2) a complete or great disregard for the laws followed by most Americans; (3) a short temper combined with a lack of empathy; (4) a desire for respect from others…

Rural people in their environment have the necessary attributes to successfully endure and survive those trials that would lead to urban decline. As societal problems require increased investment in existing institutions, the growing complexity eventually yields a lower level of benefits or returns. Urban problems such as hunger, homelessness, and…

Intended for geography professors, students, and researchers, this publication explores some topics in the area of alcohol use and abuse that are potentially suited for geographical research. There are four chapters. Chapter 1 introduces some of the more familiar arguments for and against alcohol consumption. The second chapter deals with the…

In an era where the image rules and the referent fades further and further into a fond memory, the need for cultural analysis and critique becomes profoundly urgent. This paper focuses on the question: How can a specifically feminist cultural theory begin to evolve? More often than not, women are the "imaged" in this culture. However, the image of…

The term "underclass," which refers to the concentration of economic and behavioral problems among racial minorities (mainly Black and Hispanic) in large, older cities, accurately describes a real and new condition in the United States social structure. In a sense, the rise of the underclass is an effect of the success of American social…

Symbolic interactionism is a theoretical framework that derives from critical humanism through social psychology and is presented as an alternative to sociological and psychological views of social reality. This paper analyzes the general arguments of symbolic interactionism, its portrayal of people as responsible agents, and its interpretive…

The history and development of the U.S. higher education system are analyzed, using Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) and its branch campuses as an example. Attention is also directed to the personality (i.e., characteristics and attitudes) of the individuals who function within the system/organization, methods of incorporating…

A Rubik's cube analogy provides a perspective on the complexity of managing educational futures and the purposes, language, and assumptions of this monograph. A broad commentary on the relationship between society and education and an overview of the conceptual framework used to examine this relationship is followed by a comprehensive review of…

Beginning with a brief critique of the behavioral science approach to educational administration, this paper traces the roots of an alternative perspective through examination of the new sociology of education and critical social theory. Arguing then for the location of a critical practice of educational administration in a cultural analysis of…

This essay is a response to a review by Peter Gronn of the author's book "Schooling as a Ritual Performance." It addresses general issues raised by Gronn in order to situate the review in the larger context that addresses the failure of Gronn's mode of analysis. (TE)

This essay is a response to Peter McLaren's response to the author's review of Peter McLaren's book "Schooling as a Ritual Performance." It asserts that McLaren has failed to address the three major criticisms of his book: an alleged forsaken entanglement with theory; an alleged hidden agenda; and an alleged reinforcement of dominant…

Argues that Piaget did not consider social factors to be important in his developmental theory and considers some of the practical educational implications of Piaget's social theory. Piaget's notion of the role of social factors is reviewed, and the educational implications of the cooperative context favoring operational development with reference…

Discusses attitudinal barriers to the implication of Article 19 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which urges states to protect children from abuse. Explores theories explaining why child abuse occurs. Suggests how and why early childhood educators can contribute to the promotion of a nonabusive society. (AC)

Examines the widening gap between rich and poor in Latin America, and the troubling performance of new Latin American democracies. Reviews human-capital, neoconservative, neoliberal, functionalist, and social democratic theories about education and poverty. Presents eight theses about the state, poverty, and education, and calls for education to…

Develops a framework for examining how social capital contributes to the well-being of rural communities. Reviews the educational and social science literature on social capital, contrasting rational choice and embeddedness perspectives. Introduces the concept of entrepreneurial social infrastructure, which adds equality, inclusion, and agency to…