Nathanael Davies explains his radical rethink of how to teach transatlantic slavery. He explains how he came to question his earlier approach of focusing on the causation of 'abolition' and 'emancipation' and, instead, allowed scholarship, sources and his own students' meaning-making to guide him to a different, and much more profound, analytic…

Filling a significant gap in the literature, this book examines the impact of culture on the social behaviors, emotions, and relationships of children around the world. It also explores cultural differences in what is seen as adaptive or maladaptive development. Eminent scholars discuss major theoretical perspectives on culture and development and…

The results of this study indicate skin shade has social and psychological implications. Bias toward lighter skin shades among blacks was apparent. (JB)

A population-based prevalence study in one region of Jamaica in 1987-1989 indicated that about 8% of the childhood population had cognitive (intellectual) disability. Some harmful beliefs and practices persist about child rearing, violence towards women, and child abuse of all types. A lack of knowledge is apparent about the efficacy of home-based…

Used data from the 1975-76 Jamaica Fertility Study to examine relationship between fertility and the following transitions in sexual relationship: (1) from visiting to common-law; (2) from visiting to marriage; and (3) from visiting to termination of partnership. Results indicated that childbirth reduced the probability of all three transitions.…

Born in Jamaica in 1805, Mary Seacole (nee Grant), was the daughter of a Black Creole boarding house owner and a Scottish Army officer. Like many Creole doctress women, Seacole was taught African herbal medicine arts from her mother. In addition to understanding traditional herbal medicine, she gleaned an understanding of Western medicine from the…

Analysis of a questionnaire administered to 168 Jamaican college students reveals that they seem to reflect a societal profile of high authoritarianism. Respondents who do not share this antidemocratic personality perspective exhibit an attitude of powerlessness and alienation, yearn for societal change, and adopt a higher level of…

The argument presented in this monograph stresses that, as concerns early childhood education, Jamaican parents must not only know and understand what is being done for and with their children but must also be active contributors to their educational development. It is further stressed that disadvantaged parents need special training and help if…

Culturally differentiated patterns of behavior among Englishmen and Jamaicans are discussed in this article. The attitudes of Jamaicans toward English concepts of authority, governmental administration, and education reveal potential problems in communication in cross-cultural education programs. (RL)

This theme issue of the Bernard van Leer Foundation newsletter focuses on the problem of teenage pregnancy and teenage parenthood in developing and developed nations, and examines the problems that teenage mothers face in different societies. It explores societal norms and values related to teenage parenting; the effects of teenage parents on…

Five studies focus on the cultural components of population issues in Thailand, Jamaica, Korea, Kenya, and Indonesia. The reports explore the influence of cultural factors on contraceptive practice, family planning, abortion, and education. Recommendations are made for policymakers in areas that impinge on population growth. "Birth Control…

Describes research that measured personal, national, and occupational identity among Jamaican postsecondary students. Observes that the variable of attitudes toward minorities was strongly related to personal and national identity, and suggests encouragement of positive attitudes toward ethnic groups in order to foster acceptance of differences in…