This article looks at the evolution of the social studies curricula in Pakistan, which are of critical importance in shaping the outlook of many young Pakistanis, who are affected by this polarised discourse. The author argues that this trend of polarisation springing from dynamics of education also effectively contributes to a widening social…

In this essay, the author reviews "Education Reform in New York City: Ambitious Change in the Nation's Most Complex School System," by Jennifer A. O'Day, Catherine S. Bitter, and Louis Gomez. The book under review explores a larger set of issues, and some time has passed. But many of the issues studied remain relevant and the consistent…

"Education and Gendered Citizenship in Pakistan" challenges the uncritical use of the long held dictum of the development discourse that education empowers women. Situated in the post-structuralist feminist position, it argues that in its current state the educational discourse in Pakistan actually disempowers women. Through a systematic…

Describes the disciplinary role of comparative psychology and examines why comparative psychologists do not consider professional associations of psychology to be representative of the discipline's core. Reviews the treatment of comparative psychology in textbooks and emphasizes the view of comparative psychology on the nature of causation and…

The author analyzes censorship as used against books which do not present all points of view--political, religious, sexual, etc., and suggests that no book could possibly be so comprehensive as to present all viewpoints. The answer, he claims, is a curriculum which helps students to think for themselves. (KC)

The authors argue that the textbook treatments of the constant term in regression analysis vary extensively and are often neglectful, incomplete, or even incorrect. Given the potential importance of the constant coefficient in theoretical and applied work, they develop the factors biasing the estimation of the constant term to support the argument…

Examines the social pressures that are brought to bear on textbook publishers and that influence them to serve as their own censors in the selection of material. (JOW)

This review article looks at the contents of a sample of science textbooks, not for their scientific contents as such, but for their hidden contents, in particular pointing out cases of hidden sexism. (Author/KC)

Criticizes accounts of Christopher Columbus and the Age of Exploration in 12 high school textbooks of U.S. history, citing their Eurocentrism, presentation of textbook history as absolute truth, lack of unpleasant details, and presentation of Columbus's voyage as origin myth. Lists 14 possible earlier expeditions to America. (SV)

The authors of the original "Kappan" article protesting the Houghton Mifflin textbook series respond to Edward Berenson's claims that these books are neither racially biased nor Eurocentric. The voices of minorities are missing, particularly their essential observations about whites, power, and privilege. Only white educators' viewpoints…

The role of the teacher educator in eliminating sex bias in the schools is discussed. Limited resource availability to fulfill this role is noted. (JD)

Criticizes attitudes toward the francophone world in French-language textbooks published in North America and suggests corrective measures. Specifically denounces deprecation of local languages and varieties of French, stereotyped portrayals of people, and the assumption that francophone nations are dependent on France for culture and education.…

Discusses the problems of textbook and anthology preparation, such as accessibility and the institutionalization of composition, reviewer responses, and student attitudes. (PRA)

For nearly 2 years, opponents of California's curriculum reform movement have been protesting a series of K-8 social studies textbooks officially adopted by the state board of education and widely endorsed by teachers, administrators, school boards, and community groups. This article explains that the Houghton Mifflin series is neither racist nor…

Traces the historical development of the authority of grammar handbooks and their current status as monitors of language. Focuses on the evidence that English speakers use the "singular they" and the "generic he." Interprets current handbooks in terms of their social roles and political constructions. (HB)