Several school-based racial prejudice-reduction interventions have demonstrated some benefit. Ecological theory serves as a framework within which to understand the limits and to enhance the efficacy of prejudice-reduction interventions. Using ecological theory, this article examines three prejudice-reduction approaches, including social cognitive…

This study examines how locational (region and locale), community-level (school district poverty and adult educational attainment), and school district-level (district size and ratios of students to key school personnel) variables are related to indicators of hostile school climate for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) youth.…

This study explores the social factors that influence young people's participation in school and out of school physical activities. Fifty-two 16-year-old adolescents from different socioeconomic backgrounds in one suburban and one inner-city secondary school in the Midlands, UK, participated in group interviews which explored their perceptions…

This study examines the factors influencing language and script choice in instant messaging (IM), a form of real-time computer-mediated communication, in a multilingual setting. Grounded in the New Literacy Studies, the study understands IM as a social practice involving texts, encompassing a range of literacy practices, within which a subset…

To talk about human development requires some point of view which will allow the visualization of the various parts and processes within the context of an organized unit. Social policies will be formulated differently, depending on the assumptions one holds about people. The concept of an open system is used in this presentation to illustrate that…

Describes the unicellular microorganisms of three billion years ago. Explains how these primitive cells gave rise to biochemical systems and the present oxygen-rich atmosphere. Numerous diagrams, charts, and illustrations. (MA)

Suggests that states evolve in response to ecological or social circumscription, or resource concentration. When dense populations develop, fighting over land forces loser into political subordination or incorporation. This modification of coercive theories explain lack of state in Amazon basin and origin of Inca, Maya, Hwang Valley states.…

An investigation of the possible effects of air pollution on the absenteeism of elementary school children showed that a greater percent of absences occurred in the test group than in a comparable group. There is little question as to the importance that such information should have for educators, informed parents, and other adults in community…

Focuses on the use of ecological theory in permanency planning cases to understand and work with individuals and families, giving special attention to the complex interaction between person and environment. Discusses how bias against the interactionist perspective can operate in permanency planning activities, and offers suggestions for reducing…

Offers a critical commentary of recent attempts by adult-cognitive developmentalists to conduct more meaningful, ecologically-valid research. These efforts are criticized for assuming that ecological validity is assured primarily at the level of measures, and that the inclusion of familiar test stimuli and everyday situations within such measures…

This article presents the American Indian antinuclear stance which asserts that Native Americans will fight along with others against EXXON, Kerr-McGee, and other big mining companies. (Author/RTS)

Demonstrates the relevance of ecology to sociological research and discusses some of the theoretical perspectives embodied in ecology. Examines ecology's emphasis upon the population rather than the individual as the unit of observation and on organizations as products of the interaction of population and environment. (DB)

Disturbance-generated biomass results from endogenous and exogenous natural and cultural disturbances that affect the health and productivity of forest ecosystems. These disturbances can create large quantities of plant biomass on predictable cycles. A systems analysis model has been developed to quantify aspects of system capacities (harvest,…