Argues that "multicultural education cannot be defined apart from specific communities and is more a matter of local ethnographic description than one which is easily generalized throughout the country." Presents "some anthropological categories which should serve a local educator in defining whether and to what extent a multicultural population…

The traditional elite, born in China, is over 50 years old, owns Chinese-type businesses, derives its power from family name and territorial dialect associations, and leads a traditional Chinese life-style. The new elite, born in the U.S., is 25 to 50 years of age, works in social service agencies, and leads an American middle class life-style.…

Explores the metaphor proposed by T. Sergiovanni (1992 and following) of school as community, an alternative to conceptualizing school as organization. An extended metaphor, which takes into account organizational aspects, is presented that conceptualizes schools as nested communities. This conceptualization is illustrated through the case study…

As examples illustrate, a growing number of teachers nationwide are dedicated to preserving and passing on their community histories to their students. Although the course content may be solely of local interest, the underlying themes are universal and fundamental to the study of multicultural America. (SLD)

Investigates changes in parents' use of restrictive and promotive management strategies from early to middle adolescence. Data included 50 African American adolescents and their parents living in a low-income school district. Findings suggest that increasing parents' use of promotive management strategies may be more beneficial in supporting the…

Tests relationship between local resource production and social systems in two natural resource industry communities: one timber-dependent, the other mining-dependent. Data collected for 13 resource-production indicators and 15 social-change indicators. Confirms hypothesis that social change is associated with the production level of local…

A survey of 135 small towns in Nebraska found that half had undertaken economic development projects; development activity and success were related to community size (with the smallest communities lacking both local resources and outside support); and most community leaders perceived their development efforts as unproductive. (SV)

Describes the cluster system of targeted marketing analysis, which uses geodemographic analysis to develop understanding of communities at the micro level. Characteristics of some types of neighborhoods found in the United States are described and the use of this approach by librarians conducting community analyses is discussed. (CLB)

Assesses the effects of human capital and social capital (social interaction that facilitates productive activity) on the probability of a student dropping out of high school using the High School and Beyond data set. The effects of human and social capital in combination significantly reduced the odds of dropout. (KS)

Analysis of aggregate- and individual-level data for a national sample of white women suggest that adolescent nonmarital sexual activity and contraceptive use are shaped by the local opportunity structure and normative environment. Social disintegration, socioeconomic status, and availability of employment opportunities for women emerged as…

Investigated the inherent dilemma evident in attempts to promote decentralization in urban public schools by examining the situation in the Detroit (Michigan) school system. Results indicate that efforts at promoting decentralization may, over time, produce counterpressures to recentralize decision making. (Author/SLD)

Investigated the role of community violence and poverty in the psychological difficulties of South African children residing in black townships. Mothers' ratings of their 6-year-olds confirmed community danger as a risk factor for anxiety, depression, aggression, and low affability in children. Lower socioeconomic status was unrelated to…

Examines theoretical and conceptual issues around promoting the growth of virtual learning communities and considers issues around using communication technologies in formal and informal learning environments. Highlights include: the theoretical context of community; categories for examining virtual learning communities; emphases of virtual…

Suggests that communities, cities, and nations are no longer culturally and ethnically monolithic and examines the possibilities of human fellowships based on faith. Highlights intermarriage, migration, and changes in family structure as sources of complexity, but argues that we must learn how to live together after having crossed traditional…

Discusses the impediments to rural information services for community development in Nigeria, including skepticism towards information, poor roads, nonchalance of government officials, and rivalries. Highlights the nature and characteristics of a community and community information needs and services; identifies four components of community…