The author hypothesizes that the low quality of life and poor academic performance found in the Black Belt are culturally determined and therefore self-regenerating in an effect similar to the self-fulfilling prophecy. He presents supportive evidence and recommends empirical validation. Part of a theme issue on rural education. (SJL)

In tandem with the energy crisis the author sees widespread misuse and waste of human resources. Analyzing issues of environmental deprivation, neglect of the old and the young, social isolation, the search for self, and specialization, he discusses ways that organizational and human resources development can address these challenges. (SK)

Social disorganization in the family was found to be strongly related to the likelihood of child maltreatment. Utilization of social services, on the other hand, had a counterbalancing, negative impact on the occurrence of child maltreatment. (Author/CS)

Examined continuity and discontinuity in maternal sensitivity of 135 disadvantaged mothers and their first-born children from 6 and 24 months to 42 months. Results indicate that sources of stress originating from the child or environment result in decreased sensitivity over time, whereas sources of support increase sensitivity.(RJC)

A creative writing program for disadvantaged women in Chicopee, Massachusetts, is described. The program's effects in empowering the women resulted in the women making a number of specific changes in their lives. Reasons for the workshop's success are discussed, as is the power of the arts to effect social change. (DB)

Notes that the increasing number of violent crimes committed by children is a result of play deprivation. Discusses different forms of play and distinguishes between controlled and free play. Examines factors such as inadequate outdoor spaces, organized sports, and hi-tech entertainment which interfere with spontaneous play. Discusses the concept…

Research universities make enormous social contributions in areas like medicine and science, but many habits (racism, sexism, funding old projects) must change to encourage social research and reform. Public education needs restructuring with a commitment to disadvantaged students to ensure the country's future. (SM)

Describes collaboration between Phineas Bates School and Washington-Beech Community Preschool in Boston, which links public housing families with preschool children to nearby elementary school. Lack of child care often prevents parents from working or furthering their own education. By integrating early childhood education with child care, program…

Street children, as the offspring of complex contemporary urban environments, represent one of our most serious global challenges. Article discusses the causes of this phenomenon, characteristics of street children throughout the world, and specific circumstances in Nepal, Indonesia, India, Latin America, and the Philippines. (Author/EMK)

Focuses on a recent study conducted on the incidence of illiteracy in specific disadvantaged communities in Sri Lanka. Indicates that in the present era of technological advancement, lack of literacy will continue to affect the life-chances of people in these communities. Policy issues are also discussed. Contains 20 references and 11 tables. (AMA)

Hypothesizes that a child's realization of genetic potential for intellectual development depends on socioeconomic environment. Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test results were examined for a large sibling sample of African American and White adolescents from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health. When SES factors were considered…

Children who enter foster care typically have had little or not experience with play. This article describes the impact of play deprivation on early development. It provides guidelines for recognizing play deprivation and describes ways to help babies and young children develop a repertoire of play behaviors that is based on secure relationships…

Social support and positive activity involvement are considered protective factors that can help offset the risks for youths living in impoverished areas. This study investigated whether insufficient social support and activity involvement are related to internalizing difficulties, such as depression, anxiety, loneliness, and low self-esteem.…

This study examined whether the impact of contextual-level socioeconomic disadvantage on adolescent mental health is contingent upon individual-level perceptions of social support. Data are from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health), a panel survey of a nationally representative United States sample (analytic N =…

A quality school education is essential if young people are to have access to the greatest possible opportunities in life, but it is not a universal experience in Australia. Instead, too many young people are disengaged from school, especially those in the middle years of schooling and those living in disadvantaged areas. This study examined the…