Suchergebnisse

Since the 1920's soc sci opinion in the US has undergone a complete reversal from general acceptance to an almost unanimous rejection of the theory of racial inferiority of Negroes. IQ tests focused measurement of inferiority on intelligence which at first seemed to support 'what everyone already knew.' Historical background of the question & reasons for the changes are noted. Although diff's of opinion persist, soc sci'ts generally assume soc rather than genetic causes for soc & cultural diff's. A signif cohort of synthesizers, while rejecting the false antithesis of heredity vs environment, propose res in test situations which raise (or lower) 'intelligence as measured. ' This marks the close of the past controversy & indicates a shift to a new area of inquiry. AA.

An analysis of the nature of feedback mechanisms which operate between physical & cultural evolution. It is indicated that the rate of cultural evolution in modern human pop's is substantially controlled by non-genetic factors, ie, by soc enviromental & geographic opportunities. In the same vein, diff's in technological levels are explicable re diff'ial opportunity rather than by diff'ial intelligence. In various historical phases, a species depends on diff types of feedbacks as sources of energy for eveolutionary change, M. Farber.

Little scholarly work has been done on cultural exchanges between communist countries & the US. Despite the frustrations involved, such exchanges are regarded as useful by both sides. One of the great difficulties in the study of cultural exchanges is the conceptual problem of defining their nature. It would appear that, in addition to the genuinely cultural aspects of exchanges of persons between & among countries with such diff ideologies & pol'al structures, signif noncultural aspects are involved. There is certainly a propaganda component in such exchanges, & also an intelligence component. Many activities which would be regarded as normal academic res in the US are regarded as espionage by the Soviets. Another difficult problem is obtaining adequate information. On the Soviet side, secrecy hampers the scholar, & on the Amer side, conscientious participants do not wish to disclose information which may be injurious to their Soviet contacts. Finally, it is interesting to analyze communist motives in exchanges with 'capitalist' countries. Although the USSR esp takes a highly pol'al approach to such exchanges, they are also useful to non-communist countries. Among the communist countries, Yugoslavia, particularly, has pursued a relatively liberal course. In spite of the difficulties it is to be hoped that the US will continue to welcome exchanges. It is encouraging that the US Senate ratified the US-Soviet consular convention, & it is to be hoped that the USSR will also ratify it. HA.

Little scholarly work has been done on cultural exchanges between Communist countries and the United States. Despite the frustrations involved, such exchanges are regarded as useful by both sides. One of the great difficulties in the study of cultural exchanges is the conceptual problem of de fining their nature. It would appear that, in addition to the genuinely cultural aspects of exchanges of persons between and among countries with such different ideologies and political structures, significant noncultural aspects are involved. There is certainly a propaganda component in such exchanges, and also an intelligence component. Many activities which would be regarded as normal academic research in the United States are regarded as espionage by the Soviets. Another difficult problem is obtaining adequate information. On the Soviet side, secrecy hampers the scholar, and on the American side, conscientious participants do not wish to disclose information which may be injurious to their Soviet contacts. Finally, it is interesting to analyze Communist motives in exchanges with "capitalist" countries. Although the Soviet Union especially takes a highly political approach to such exchanges, they are also useful to non-Communist countries. Among the Communist countries, Yugoslavia, particularly, has pursued a relatively liberal course. In spite of the difficulties, it is to be hoped that the United States will continue to welcome exchanges. It is encouraging that the United States Senate ratified the United States-Soviet consular convention, and it is to be hoped that the Soviet Union will also ratify it.

The Dept of Soc-Anthrop has recently made studies of elites in a Ewe community at Keta on the Gold Coast & the Birom tribe of central Nigeria. Ewe culture is relatively complex. The people are influenced by Western educ, though 75% of the adult pop is illiterate. Among the Keta, the direction of societal change is largely under the hand of the literate but not highly educated individuals. Among the Birom, the material standard of living is one of the most meagre in Africa. Though their mode of existence is quite primitive, some gov officials say that the Birom are about to surpass all other northern Nigerians. This change toward a great desire for educ & progress is due not only to the influence of a few British pol'al officers & European missionaries but certainly to the intelligence of the people through their educ & personal qualities. These new wise men of the tribe are respected, trusted, & imitated. No longer do these once 'primitive' people feel themselves despised. B. J. Keeley.