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The charts & tables contained in chapter 11 of Social Indicators, 1976 are examined. The wide range of social behavior that they cover includes topics such as: educational & occupational mobility, voting in national elections, volunteer work, charitable giving, participation in community organizations, views on religion, & feelings of anomie. All of these have bearing on the well-being of citizens. But the significance of most of the indicators for public policy is debatable. The factual conclusions that can be drawn from the tables & charts are discussed & additional information from recent research on some of the topics is presented, particularly on educational & occupational mobility, voting & political behavior, & participation in community organizations. 3 Tables, 3 Charts. Modified HA.

This article examines the charts and tables contained in chapter 11 of Social Indicators, 1976 covering a wide range of social behavior under the general topic "Social Mobility and Social Participation." The topics covered include educational and occupational mobility, voting in national elections, volunteer work, charitable giving, participation in community organizations, views on religion, and feelings of anomie. Most readers will agree that this is a potpourri of topics but that all have bearing on the well-being of citizens. There would be less agreement on the significance of most of the indicators for public policy. The factual conclusions that can be drawn from the tables and charts are discussed and additional information from recent research on some of the topics is presented—particu— larly on educational and occupational mobility, voting and political behavior, and participation in community organizations.

Virtual worlds provide an arena for children to express themselves and to interact with others. They are a natural and frequent part of children's life today. However, there is not much research on what actually happens in the online worlds and what kind of opportunities those worlds could offer to children and thereby enhance their social participation. The aim in this study is to explore the potential of virtual worlds for children's social participation. The empirical part of the study consists of interviews with 21 Finnish children, aged 11-15 years. By interviewing children, the authors examined their social practices in virtual worlds. In the study, the authors found seven types of social practice that make it possible for children to socialize with others, learn new things and skills, express themselves publicly and play in virtual worlds. Virtual worlds provide an arena for children to overcome the limitations of the real world. However, the freedom also has side effects: misbehavior.