The economic, social, and educational history of the Burakumin--a Japanese minority group--is traced since 1603. The role of Burakumin activism--plus increased national awareness and economic well-being--in promoting economic, social, and educational improvement is reviewed. It is noted that Burakumin progress toward further social and educational…

In spite of gains, Indian women's educational level still lags behind that of Indian men. Illiteracy is highest for rural women; unemployment is highest for urban women. Access to education for women is limited and is further delimited in higher levels. Acceptance of changed roles for educated women is lacking. (BRR)

Many variables mitigate against a culture-fair test being devised. The Queensland Test--which has been administered to Aboriginal children--is probably fairer than most IQ tests, although it appears to measure the degree of contact with Western culture (implying socio-economic variables) rather than mental and chronological age or cognitive…

Difficulties in the Federal Republic of Germany illustrate the problems of transferring educational policy-making from national state authorities to local communities. Important initiatives in equalization of teacher pay and standardization of teacher training were attempted during 1970-1980, but did not achieve success. Political competition was…

Discusses factors influencing development of political attitudes of Hausa primary and secondary students in Kano State, Nigeria. Describes influences from traditional socialization agencies and schools in terms of attitudes toward citizenship, authority, and political participation. Finds schooling's emphasis on bureaucracy contributes equally to…

Feels 1964-1984 was a transitional period in Soviet education when school curriculum vacillated between academic and vocational emphases. Traces individual reforms and their impacts on academic/vocational training at all schooling levels. Focuses on access to post-secondary education, the curriculum available, and its increased politicalization.…

Explores prescriptions offered for reforming education and the dilemmas they raise. Programs for democratizing education are reviewed with respect to expanding facilities, reforming admission policies, joining teaching and learning, offering experimental courses, and making structural changes. Results of programs for education about democracy and…

Reports tracer studies of Kenyan youths leaving technical school to determine their success at obtaining gainful employment. Almost 43% were neither in formal schooling nor training, nor employed a year after leaving, although technical skills were seen as useful, particularly in private life. (DP)

Suggests that the Japanese educational system's lack of concern about vocationalism is related to low unemployment, lifetime employment patterns, and popular perceptions that the system produces literate students and rewards traditional Japanese values. Outlines academic and vocational elements in the formal education system. Includes 40…

Analyzes the problems of providing mass higher education in Sweden, France, and the Federal Republic of Germany. Describes selective admissions mechanisms introduced into each country's open system of higher education, and offers social, economic, and political explanations for their failure. Includes 13 references. (SV)

Evaluates the outlook for adult literacy during the ongoing international economic crisis. Describes liberal, conservative, and socialist views on relationships among education, poverty, and governmental policies. Examines the piecemeal approach in the United States, mass campaigns in Vietnam, and limited target group efforts in Brazil. Includes…

Suggests that neomarxism, the dominant form of radical reconstructionism, provides a less internally coherent concept of educational progress than do other major educational philosophies. Outlines epistemological differences between traditional Marxism and neomarxism. Includes 37 references. (SV)

Investigates the relationships among classroom organizational features, teacher characteristics, and classroom activities in 32 urban Mexican preschools. Suggests that complex interactions among these variables determine school quality. Includes 13 references. (SV)

Surveys 24 Mexican primary school teachers about their perceptions of formal responsibility, informal accountability, and personal responsibility and autonomy. Presents teachers' comments on educational authorities, curriculum, parents, and extra-curricular activities. Compares Mexican teachers' perceptions to those of English and French cohorts.…

Evaluates implementation of the Hungarian Education Act of 1985. Examines County Pedagogic Institutes, school self-management, and links between school and community as means to decentralize the national education system. Suggests the Act's implementation has enhanced decision-making based on educational rather than on social and political…