Human Nature

Before 1965, 89% of all Jews married within their faith, according to the Council of Jewish Federations. By 1974, however, 25% married outside Judaism, and by 1984 that figure rose to 44%. Since then, only 43% have married other Jews, while 52% chose partners of other religions.

Nine percent of those who don't worship regularly report poor health, Purdue University medical sociologist Kenneth Ferraro reports, while 26% claim excellent health. Conversely, only 4% of regular worshippers report poor health, while 36% report excellent health.

Minority Update

In contrast to the stereotype, approximately 40% to 45% of Native Americans abstain altogether from drinking alcohol. And, according to the American Council on Education, Native American enrollment in colleges is up. In 1990, 103,000 Native Americans enrolled--an 11% increase from 1988--but they still only make up 1% of the total number of college students.

According to the Editor and Publisher International Year Book, California is home to the most black newspapers (19), followed closely by Florida (17).

In The Delivery Room

Nearly one out of every four American babies is delivered via cesarean section. The average cost for a cesarean in 1989 was $7,186, compared to $4,334 for a vaginal delivery, according to the Health Insurance Association of America.

Money Talk

According to census and labor reports, women earned 60 cents for every dollar pocketed by men from 1960 through 1980. By 1990, that figure had risen to 72 cents. During the 1980s, men's salaries dropped 8% and women's salaries climbed 10%. Young women aged 24 to 35 earn 80 cents for every male-earned dollar.

Couple Troubles

Census figures show that, in 1991, 51.1% of families had no kids under 18 living in their homes--the highest percentage to date. The Census Bureau's Martin O'Connell projects 16% of baby boomers will opt against having kids, compared to only 8% in their parents' generation.

About 50% of married couples will never be happy without professional therapy, estimated David Olson of the University of Minnesota. Twenty-five percent of couples have "really good marriages" while another 25% "could have good ones with counseling."

The Scoop On America's Youth

The top five occupations 8- to 12-year-old schoolchildren said they wanted to be when they grow up: teacher, 13%; doctor, 10.5%; lawyer, 8%; police officer, 6%; firefighter, 5%. Sixty percent wanted to start their own businesses, according to a Time Warner survey.

A 1990 U.S. reading assessment indicated that kids who spend an extra long time on homework don't necessarily do better on tests or learn more. Thirteen-year-olds who studied for one to two hours scored 265 out of a possible 500 points on the assessment. Those who studied more than two hours scored 262; less than one hour, 258.

ETC.

A Roper Organization mail survey reports that 57% of U. S. military personnel favor the Pentagon's no-combat policy for women. Only 42% of military women support the policy.

Most Americans (66%) prefer Daylight

Savings Time, according to a Hilton Time

Survey. Only 28% preferred Standard Time.