bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Congruence between Teaching and Learning Self-Care: A Pilot Study
Authors: Hartley Lou Ann
Published: March 2007

The purpose of this pilot study was to test Orem's conceptualization of the relationship between nursing system and self-care behavior. The proposition that a supportive-educative nursing system influences self- care behavior was tested. Investigation of the relationship of congruence of teaching strategy and learning style to the accuracy and frequency of the performance of breast self-examination was the essence of this study. Congruence of teaching strategy and learning style was operationalized using instructional activities congruent with the learning styles of con- verger and accomodator. Kolb's learning style inventory scores were used to group the women into congruent and incongruent learners. Accuracy of performance of breast self-examination was measured using a four step criteria checklist. Frequency of performance of breast self- examination was measured by a 60-day postteaching questionnaire. Thirty-seven women volunteered to participate in this pilot study based on age, literacy, interest in learning the examination, and returning a mailed questionnaire. The Wilcoxon matched pairs signed rank test was used to evaluate the differences between congruent and incongruent groups in relation to accuracy of performance of breast self-examination on a silicone model. A Fisher probability test was used to evaluate the responses on the 60-day postteaching questionnaire in relation to frequency of breast self-examination practice. The hypotheses relat ing congruence of teaching strategy and learning style to accuracy and frequency of performance of breast self-examination were not sup ported. The findings revealed that 96% of the women practiced breast self-examination two or more times within a 60-day interval and 100% of the women indicated they could perform the examination correctly. Learning style had no influence on accuracy or frequency of breast self- examination performance. The teaching strategy most probably affected these variables.
Rising birth rate in Sweden: a consequence of the welfare state and family policy?
Authors: Andersson B-E. , Kihlblom U. , Sandqvist K.
Published: March 2007

While most western countries today report low birth rates, Sweden ranks the third highest in Europe and exceeds the replacement level. This is in contrast to the level around 1980 when Sweden had one of the lowest birth rates in its history. The theme of this article is that the dramatic increase during the last decade, at least partly, is an effect of the Swedish family policy. This policy is characterized by publicly run ser vices for children, support for mothers' employment, support for father involvement, and support for single mothers. According to the empirical evidence, the model works: children do well in subsidized child care, they do not suffer from mother's work involvement, fathers are becoming more involved in child care with beneficial effects on children, and children of single mothers also do well, most certainly if father contact is maintained. Because the stresses of combining employment and par enthood have been reduced, Swedish parents want more children.
Intercountry adoption: trends, issues and policy implications for the 1990s
Authors: Pilotti F.
Published: March 2007

Intercountry adoption trends are analyzed from an historical perspective, in an effort to identify the main issues that have emerged since its appearance after World War 2. It is argued that during its first two decades of existence, intercountry adoption was mainly a response to the negative effects of war on families and children. Starting in the 1970s, the continuing expansion of this practice is best understood by making ref erence to a process of supply and demand that responds to certain structural features in both developed and developing countries. Using data from Sweden and the United States, recent intercountry adoption trends are analyzed in order to identify the vo lume, direction and origin of the migratory flows of children adopted in these coun tries during the past decade. Against this backdrop, and taking into account the prin ciples set forth by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the current status of in tercountry adoption is discussed, as well as policy implications for the future.
Association, Federation and "Genuine" Autonomy
Authors: Sautman Barry
Published: March 2007

When we talk about whether something is true, we mean that what appears accords with the way a thing really exists. And whatever the level of discussion, whatever the issue, when there is a discrepancy between appearance and reali ty, we regard it as untrue (Dalai Lama 2000).
An Archaeological View of Artifact Technology, Terminology, and Evolution
Authors: Ambler J. Richard
Published: March 2007

For discussing major evolutionary trends, artifact manufacture can be viewed on the general levels of material used and energy input, with the product characterized by function. Artifact evolution has been accretive in material. The making of composite artifacts, those composed of more than one raw material, is a good behavioral definition of Homo Sapiens. All material was natural until the first synthetic, probably leather, was made. For half a million years the energy used in making artifacts was kinetic and caloric. The domestication of plants added photic and biologic energies to artifact production, and the use of pottery for cooking added chemical energy. Artifacts have also accreted in kind and number, as opposed to much biological, social, and ideological evolution, which have often been substitutive. Accretion is also evident in the function of artifacts. Needs other than food, shelter, tools, or toys are now being served, and many artifacts fulfill several functions sequentially or simultaneously.
An Assessment of Jacob Neusner's the Economics of the Mishnah
Authors: Elzinga Kenneth G.
Published: March 2007

Jacob Neusner's The Economics of the Mishnah describes the economic content of the Mishnah and assesses whether this holy book of Judaism squares 'with the rationality of economics as presently understood'. This paper offers a summary of Neusner's book and a commentary on his analysis. The paper generally concurs with Neusner's conclusion that the Mishnaic system is not an economic one, in the modern sense, but rather one of rules ordaining a steady-state society where no individual has unmet preferences and the social order matches the heavenly order of eternal stability.
Reflections on Yeshayahu Leibowitz's Judaism, Human Values, and the Jewish State
Authors: Sirico Robert A.
Published: March 2007

This paper is an assessment of Yeshayahu Leibowitz's Judaism, Human Values, and the Jewish State. In this collection of essays, the highly prolific Jewish scholar argues for a radical separation of religion and the state. This radical point of departure is assessed for the consequences it has for a wide range of issues, especially the nature and limits of liberty as these relate to the discipline of economics. This is done by establishing a dialogue between some Jewish insights on these matters and a Christian perspective.
Jewish Economic Ethics: Response to Paul Heyne
Authors: Tamari Meir
Published: March 2007

In this response to Paul Heyne, the author seeks to outline some major elements of Jewish economic ethics. The balance between individual freedom on the one hand and communal justice on the other is investigated and some of its consequences elaborated. Although such considerations are relevant and applicable to a homogenous Jewish socio-political unit, it has implications for other societies as well. The Jewish moral guidelines and ethical legislation are neither anachronistic nor irrelevant to all societies. The recognition of social responsibilities both of the individual and of society may stimulate regulation and legislation to protect the weak members of society.
The Two Sins of Nob: Biblical Interpretation, an Anti-Priestly Polemic and a Geographical Error in Liber Antiquitatum Biblicarum
Authors: Regev Eyal
Published: March 2007

According to LiberAntiquitatum Biblicarum ( LAB) the priests of Nob were punished for their cultic sins. This unusual claim was influenced by the fact that there is no reference to Saul's sin and punishment in the book of Sam uel. Indeed, this incident remains without explanation in the rabbinic sources. By putting the blame on Nob's priests the author of LAB was influenced by the motif of the evil priests, a theme common in the Pseudepigrapha and the Qumran writings. Another diversion from the biblical text is the assertion in LAB that the case of 'the concubine in Gibeah' actually happened in Nob and not in Gibeah! The author mistakenly replaced Gibeah ('the hill') with the hill of Nob since the two locations are very close geographically. Conse quently, this article suggests that the interchange between Gibeah and Nob may indicate that the author of LAB saw Gibeah or Nob with his own eyes.
The Influence of Sizings on the Durability of High-Temperature Polymer Composites
Authors: Allred Ronald E. , Wesson Sheldon P. , Shin E. Eugene , Inghram Linda , McCorkle Linda , Papadopoulos Demetrios , Wheeler Donald , Sutter James K.
Published: March 2007

To increase performance and durability of high-temperature composites for potential rocket engine components, it is necessary to optimize wetting and interfacial bonding between high-modulus carbon fibers and high-temperature polyimide resins. Sizings commercially supplied on most carbon fibers are not compatible with polyimides. In this study, the chemistry of sizings on two high-modulus carbon fibers (M40J and M60J, Toray) was characterized as was the chemistry of PMR-II-50 fluorinated polyimide resin. The carbon fibers were characterized using single filament wetting, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic measurements. The polyimide matrix resins were coated onto glass filaments for characterization by wetting measurements. Surface energy components were obtained by wetting with nondispersive (methylene iodide), acidic (ethylene glycol), and basic (formamide) probes. A continuous desizing system that uses an environmentally friendly chemical-mechanical process was developed for tow level fiber. Composites were fabricated with fibers containing the manufacturer's sizing, desized, and further treated with a reactive finish. Results of room temperature tests after thermal aging show that the reactive finish produces a higher strength and more durable interface compared to the manufacturer's sizing. When exposed to moisture blistering tests, however, the better-bonded composite displayed a tendency to delaminate, presumably due to trapping of volatiles.
The biggest story of my life
Authors: Evans Stephen
Published: March 2007

The events of September 11, 2001, were unique in many respects. The cliché has it that "nothing will ever be the same again" . Possibly. We don't know and it may be a very long time before we do know. Of one thing there is no doubt: the effect on journalism, everywhere, has been deep and in some instances profound.

British Journalism Review felt it important enough to devote a section of this issue,first, to a remarkable on-the-spot account by Stephen Evans, the BBC's North America Business Correspondent, and the only British journalist actually inside the World Trade Centre when the first plane hit the first tower. With the approval of The Times, we are re-publishing an account of what it is like to report on the war in and around Afghanistan by that newspaper's outstanding war correspondent Anthony Loyd. And finally we have invited a range ofjournalists, some of whom are members ofour editorial board, to provide their personal recollections of September 11.
The gospel according to Christiansen
Authors: Cox Geoffrey
Published: March 2007

In the last issue of British Journalism Review Geoffrey Cox wrote about two formidable pre-war Editors of the News Chronicle. Now be recalls life under the greatest Editor of the Daily Express.
"A little fun and amusement... is my journalism"
Authors: Boston Ray
Published: March 2007

It is arguable that the meekly paper TIT-BITS signposted the beginnings of pop- journalism. And that its founder, George Newnes, was apioneering genius quite the equal of Alfred [Lord Northcliffe] Harmsmorth. Tet Newnes remains a largely unknown, unpublicised distant figure compared with Northcliffe. He is being brought into fresh focus, bowever, by an Australian writer, Kate Jackson, and what follows is an examination of Newnes, the man who proclaimed ...
Rudolf Karl Freudenberg — from pioneer of insulin treatment to pioneering social psychiatrist
Authors: Becker Thomas , Bennett Douglas
Published: March 2007

Rudolf Karl Freudenberg was Physician Superintendent at Netherne Hospital, Coulsdon, Surrey from 1951 to 1973. In his work as superintendent and government adviser he made important contributions to mental hospital reform and to the establishment of community psychiatric services in Britain. Earlier, in Vienna and following emigration to Britain, he was one of the pioneers of insulin coma treatment with a series of publications on this topic. The paper gives an account of published papers of both phases, and it highlights the background to Freudenberg's shift in professional interest from physical to social intervention. It argues that the change of emphasis reflects important general trends, i.e. profound change due to new forms of physical treatment on the one hand and similarly convincing evidence of the impact of social factors on clinical course and outcome on the other hand.
Ideals Lost? Current Trends in Scandinavian Welfare Policies On Ageing
Authors: Daatland Svein Olav
Published: March 2007

Scandinavia has developed a wider definition of welfare policy, and a more active state involvement, than in probably any of the other western nations. Are the values underlying the Scandinavian model now under stress? Is Scandinavia changing, and now converting to other ideals? Are the Scandinavian states becoming less ambitious? Is Scandinavia becoming less committed to universality, and increasingly characterized by distribution according to contribution (social insurance) and more strict need assessments (residuality)? Are benefit levels becoming less generous, and are the Scandinavian populations themselves growing less committed to their welfare states? These questions are discussed in the context of current trends in welfare policies towards older people in the four major Nordic countries.
Receiving Social Assistance in Germany: Risk and Duration
Authors: Voges Wolfgang , Rohwer Götz
Published: March 2007

Although receiving social assistance is a dynamic process, analyses of such processes tend to be static. This is particularly so in Germany where there is no empirical data base for studying processes of poverty and receipt of social assistance, except for the Bremen Longitudinal Social Assistance Sample (LSA). This article draws on the German Socio-Economic Panel (GSOEP) to complement analyses of the dynamics of poverty undertaken by the authors on the basis of the LSA.
A Multi-Method Approach To Monitor the Evolution of Poverty
Authors: Muffels Ruud , Berghman Jos , Dirven Henk-Jan
Published: March 2007

In this article the authors present the results of research on the evolution of income poverty, insecurity of subsistence and relative deprivation. Using socio-economic panel data of the late 1980s in The Netherlands (1985- 88) they sketch the incidence and distribution of poverty applying a multi-method approach, in which income and consumption approaches of poverty are used as complements to each other. Their results show that income and consumption- deprivation based standards provide complementary insights into the issue of poverty. If social policies are not solely aimed at the provision of a 'minimum income guarantee' but also at the combat of 'social exclusion', income standards are inadequate as monitoring devices. The information of the latter should be complemented by using a multidimensional deprivation standard that is capable of covering a broader range o f living conditions or aspects of life than just income. This recommendation holds for the national level. Yet, also at the European level it should be a guiding principle for monitoring social policies at the level of the Community and its member states. As regards the panel information it appears that income mobility within the poor and the non-poor population is very high, though for a considerable part of the population the poverty status seems to be a rather permanent attribute. From their research the authors recommend the elaboration of a panel research device to enable member states to monitor the evolution in the basic social institutions and to assess the impact of internal social shifts like marriage instability as well as the impact of 1992 on their economies, employment structures and social protection systems. Such a panel device in the form of a Community wide household panel on income, social protection systems and labour market policies could give the member states and their Community the tool needed for creating and monitoring efficient and effective policy instruments to resolve the challenges of the years ahead.
Social Dumping and European Economic Integration
Authors: Adnett Nick
Published: March 2007

Social dumping has become an important EU issue, yet few studies provide an economic assessment of the potential size of such effects. This paper examines the prospects for social dumping in an era of greater European econ omic integration. Initially the paper docu ments large differences within the E U in the composition of labour costs and labour market regulations, thereby establisbing the potential for social dumping effects. It then considers the development of the differences in em ployers' social security expenditure over the last thirty years and concludes that there appears to be no evidence that high social charge economies have performed poorly during this period. The process of intra-union trade within an European economic and monetary union is then examined and the con clusion is made that further European econ omic integration is unlikely to create signifi cant dumping effects. Differences in productivity levels and the relative importance of direct earnings largely offset the differences m social charges, whilst rncreased specializ ation within the Union reduces direct compe tition between 'low' and 'high' social charge member states. The failure to find evidence of significant social dumping effects does not necessarily imply support for a levelling-up of social welfare provisions in the E U. The final part of the paper addresses this issue, devel oping the proposition that a strengthening of EU social policy may assist the creation of a high skill and high productivity growth con vergence club in the E U.
To What Extent Can Social Policy Challenge the Dominant Ideology of Mothering? a Cross-National Comparison of Sweden, France and Britain
Authors: Windebank Jan
Published: March 2007

The question of who looks after young chil dren is a function of the social construction of 'mothering'. Although the exact nature and distribution of 'mothering' work changes ac cording to cultural and historical context, mothering has remained inextricably linked to gender. Indeed, numerous studies have shown that fathers' involvement in child care has not increased to match mothers' involvement in the labour force and that women remain the principal carers for children. Given that child care continues to be women's work, the aim of this article is to provide a systematic study of the ways in which different welfare regimes may have helped challenge the dominant ide ology of mothering by fostering a distribution of child care which assists mothers in their em ployment and which gives child care providers social and economic status. This is achieved by investigating mothers' employment patterns, policies towards parenting and child care, child care practices and the status of child care providers in Sweden, France and Britain. These are three countries which all have high rates of women's participation in the labour market but have acknowledged differences in state support for working mothers.
The Rich Feast of Theology: Can Pentecostals Bring the Main Course or Only the Relish?
Authors: Cross Terry
Published: March 2007

Theology becomes unspiritual when it lets itself be enticed or evicted from the freshly flowing air of the Spirit of the Lord, in which it alone can prosper. The Spirit departs when theology enters rooms whose stag nant air automatically prevents it from being and doing what it can, may, and must be and do.1
Pentecostal Power for a Pentecostal Task: Empowerment Through Engagement in South African Context
Authors: de Kock Wynand
Published: March 2007

To these He also presented Himself alive, after His suffering, by many convincing proofs, appearing to them over a period of forty days, and speaking of the things concerning the kingdom of God. And gathering them together, He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for what the Father had promised, 'Which,' He said, 'you heard from Me; for John baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.' And so when they had come together, they were asking Him, saying, 'Lord, is it at this time You are restoring the kingdom to Israel?' He said to them, 'It is not for you to know times or epochs which the Father has fixed by His own authority; but you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.'And after He had said these things, He was lifted up while they were looking on, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And as they were gazing intently into the sky while He was departing, behold, two men in white clothing stood beside them; and they also said, 'Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven.' Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day's journey away.Acts 1.3-12, NASBAnd when the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a noise like a violent, rush ing wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. And there appeared to them tongues as of fire distributing themselves, and they rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit was giving them utterance.Acts 2.1-4, NASB
'Pentecostal Explorations of the New Testament': Teaching New Testament Introduction in a Pentecostal Seminary
Authors: Thomas John
Published: March 2007

Originally prepared for the Society of Biblical Literature's section devoted to the Academic Study of the Bible, this article explores the contours of a distinctively Pentecostal approach to a graduate level course on New Testament Introduction. Written in the form of a narrative, this study seeks to lead the reader through the reasons for rethinking the task of teaching such a course in a Pentecostal context, to propose an approach to the study of the New Testament that utilizes a variety of methodological approaches which resonate with the tradition in various ways, and to offer some evalua tion of this approach based upon the classroom experience.
A Response To Thomas/Alexander, 'and the Signs Are Following' (Mark 16.9-20)
Authors: Wall Robert
Published: March 2007

This response to Thomas and Alexander affirms their effort to argue, from a Pentecostal perspective, for the canonical authority of the longer ending of Mark's Gospel (16.9-20). Notwithstanding the text-critical evidence for accepting this text as a secondary addition to the original Gospel narrative, Wall considers it a significant test case for addressing the tensions between critical exegesis and Scripture's performance within the community of faith as its biblical canon (or 'rule of faith'). He argues for the priority of Scripture's formative role both to establish and subsequently to validate its continuing authority for the whole church. For this and other reasons, Wall concludes that faithful interpreters must approach the longer ending to Mark's Gospel, even though 'non-Markan', as inspired Scripture and formative of Christian faith. Moreover, when considered within the context of the fourfold Gospel witness, this text proffers a distinctive contribution to the ending of its authorized narrative of Jesus' life. Adding a number of observations in support of Thomas and Alexander's study, Wall's essay proceeds to push beyond their proposal to conclude that a 'Pentecostal' interpretation of Scripture extends meaning beyond Pentecostal readers to challenge and enrich the beliefs and practices of the church catholic.
European and Irish Integration
Authors: Anderson James , Goodman James
Published: March 2007

The politics of substate regional development and the politics of nation-states and nationalisms are brought into heightened conflict and contradiction by the pro cesses of integration in the European Union. The con tradictions, however, are opening up new political opportunities at regional levels. This article explores relationships between regionalism and nationalism in the case of Ireland, and more particularly Northern Ireland. Because of the violent national conflict, and the highly centralized nature of the state both in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland, some of the tensions at the heart of the European integration are exemplified particularly sharply. We explored these mainly through in-depth interviews with leaders from both sides of industry and the various political parties in Northern Ireland, and with politicians and civil servants in Brussels. We report on the ways in which the interrelationships between regional econ omic development and the national conflict are per ceived and argued, highlighting the different strategies adopted for reconciling regionalism and nationalism.
Punishment for Misdemeanours in Zimbabwean Schools: Recommendations of Sixth Formers
Authors: Jordan Josephine , Matibiri Priscilla , Charumbira Edward
Published: March 2007

This study addresses the on-going debate in Zimbabwe about the differences between Group "A", that is, formerly, whites-only schools, and Group "B", that isformerly black schools. This paper is particularly concerned with punishment and discipline in the schools which we have researched through the eyes of sixth formers. One hundred and thirty-one boys suggested appropriated punishments for six misdemeanours. The school of the offender and the nature of the misdemeanour interacted to influence the harshness of the punishments recommended by the participants. Noisiness, smoking marijuana, and smoking and drinking were punished moreseverely when committed by a Group A pupil; lateness, truancy, and vandalism were punished more severely when committed by a Group B pupils. Boys ranked punishments similarly, discarding the notion that caning in particular is more acceptable in Group A schools. Between 28 and 60% of boys recommended caning for noisiness.
Attributions for "Third World" Poverty: Contextual Factors in Australia and Brazil
Authors: Carr Stuart C. , Taef Hoda , De M.S. Ribeiro Rosaura , Maclachlan Malcolm
Published: March 2007

Western (or "First World') societies continue to be confronted by the ever growing prob lem of "Third World" poverty. Financial donationsfrom "Western "publics are onepos sible contribution to seeking remedies, but these partly depend on donor experience and perceptions, which are likely to be indirect and subject to attributional biases. Exposing such biases may help to correct them. This paper compares attributions for Third World poverty between Brazilian "actors" living in a developing economy and Australian "ob servers" living in a more industrialised one. One hundred textile workers completed Harper et al.'s Causes of Third World Poverty Questionnaire and Lerner's Just World Scale, with both scales back-translated into Portuguese for the Brazilians. Australians were more likely to stress natural disasters, reflecting the focus of their own media, whereas Brazilians consistently emphasised national corruption. Thesefindings indi cate tbe influence of local perspective, thereby implying that there is scope for donor publics to be sensitised to alternative perceptions of poverty.
Nari Bikash Sangha: Towards Empowerment
Authors: Banerjee Narayan
Published: March 2007

The idea of Nari Bikash Sangha (NBS) emerged in 1985 as an intervention from a group of economically vulnerable women to reach out to others in similar situations. Gradually, the NBS began to acquire other roles in an economically and socially backward region of West Bengal. Its spontaneous inroads into natural resource management, political participation, better community relations, etc. with the clear idea of rights and responsibilities were evidence of its growing strength, and capacity and ability to create a new social space for women in the region. Its example also demonstrates the fact that in a given situation, individual empowerment of women is better achieved through a collective process, where the individual draws her strength and power of self-assertion from a strong collective and sense of solidarity. Social heterogeneity, ethnicity, political ideological differences and cultural diversity tend to get subsumed under the pace and pressure of a collective empowerment process. The paper attempts to document this process through the words of NBS women.
Vedic Psychology and the Edda Poems
Authors: Harung Harald S.
Published: March 2007

This paper compares two ancient traditions of knowledge: The Indo-European vedic texts and the Edda poems of the Scandinavian and Germanic people. There appear to be close similarities between these two traditions in terms of four major concepts: A basic unified state lying at the foundation of the vast variety in the universe; the process of creation from within this unified field; the development of higher states of individual consciousness; and the development of higher stages in the collective consciousness of society. Today this knowledge has practical implications for improving performance and quality of life, as shown by scientific research.
Sociology in Sport Science
Authors: Schulke Hans Jürgen
Published: March 2007

Research in the field of the sociology of sport in the Federal Republic of Germany has become stagnant. The reason for this stagnation is seen above all in the fact that research on the sociology of spurt has given up the idea of a general theory of society and therefore is unable to find the dialectic of sport behaviour and social relations. Only when reaching back to social relations, above all material production and reproduction of social life, will it be in a proper sociological manner possible to explain current development in such spheres as leisure pursuits and school sport.
Mass Sport, Personal Contacts and Integration
Authors: Kriukov Y.G. , Matiash V.Y.
Published: March 2007

The aim of the investigation — to bring to light the influence of mass sport on the development of solidarity of small formal groups, functioning within the production system. In order to solve the research tasks methods applied were: poll questioning, scaling, interviews, sociometry and pedagogical experiment.

Shown were the basic socio-psychological factors of influence of mass sport on the process of integration of small formal groups, functioning in the system of pro duction. Ways were established of the influence of sport on the formation of pro duction contacts. The most effective forms of recreation and mass sport were studied from the point of view of their utilization with the aim of enhancing group integra tion of individuals.

An analysis has been carried out of the role of contacts in the development of group solidarity of small formal and informal groups, functioning both in the pro duction system and on the basis of common sport activity. On the basis of numerous investigations, the role has been shown of sport activity as a factor of forming socio-cultural relations in the production sphere.
The German and the Swiss Club
Authors: Schlagenhauf Karl , Schiffer Jürg
Published: March 2007

The paper reports of a comparison of two empirical surveys on the sociology of the sport club conducted in the Federal Republic of Germany and Switzerland. A questionnaire constructed at the University of Karlsruhe was used to interview a random sample of about 3,000 club members and 3,200 functionaries representa tive for the Federal Republic. Together with the "Research Institute of the Swiss School for Physical Education and Sport" this instrument was adapted to suit Swiss conditions and used in a sample of about 420 club members in German-spea king Switzerland.

The main question was to ascertain if the most important results from the intensive correlation analysis of the German data (e.g. degree of activity of mem bers. sport motivation, attitude to organization, mechanisms of integration, dis satisfactions, honorary work within the club, correlations between sport activity and social contacts, wishes concerning kinds of sport offered etc.) are transferable to the Swiss situation. After the first global comparison of the two sets of data, with reference to the above-mentionad criteria, however, there appeared to be so many differences between the German and the Swiss sport club members that such a transfer would hardly be possible.

Whilst looking for explanations, it became apparent that these differences were the result of the partly topographically caused composition of the samples according to the type of sport club and the kinds of sport which had been taken into account. If one took only those German clubs from the more extensive data into consideration which corresponded in structure most nearly to the Swiss set of data, then almost all the differences between members, which had at first been observed, and could have been interpreted as cultural influences on the populations, disappeared.

The structural differences with regard to organization which exist between the two countries do, of course, require further explanation and one could here perhaps take cultural variables into consideration. It becomes clear, however, that there is a great danger that differences between personal data in international studies may all too quickly be explained as being subject to cultural influence if one does not have the possibility of controlling the samples according to organiza tional and structural similarity.
The Transmission of Sport Mobility Orientation in the Family
Authors: Oliver Melvin L.
Published: March 2007

A common hypothesis derived from various theoretical standpoints in sociology states that the family is the most important agent in socializing youth to the cultural values of the larger society. This paper examines this hypothesis through an ex ploration of the extent to which families involved in a community baseball program appear to be transmitting to their sons values concerning sports as a possible mo bility route. The way sports has been used as a path to mobility has been recognized in a number of contexts. What is not known is how youth come to value sports as an important, valuable, and meaningful occupational path to pursue. Using in dependent indicators of parents' and children's orientations to mobility through sport we examined the amount of parent-child agreement on this issue and how these linkages are affected when we control for common structural forces and sub stantively and theoretically meaningful conditions. Our findings show only modest support for the notion that families are important influences on children's sport mobility orientations in the community baseball context. What little evidence for value transmission that was found occurred among those children we characterized as being "out of character" with the game. An alternative explanation we pro posed was that the transmission process is actually a two-way process in which children socialized parents and vice versa. This explanation was also found to be unsatisfactory, as it was clear that other factors were also important; particularly race and social class background. More research needs to be done that addresses how these larger structural forces come to impact upon children and their sports play. Future research should consider how other agencies of socialization combine and interact with the family to socialize youth in the sports context.
On the Inadequacies of Sociological Definitions of Sport
Authors: Meier Klaus V.
Published: March 2007

"There are few words in the English language which have such a muliplicity of divergent meanings as the word sport." A detailed scrutiny of the substantial sociology of sport literature indicates that the problem of definition is one of the most basic and extensive, if highly contentious issues are to be found in the field. Despite the importance of the problem, debate continues, inaccurate and contra dictory statements abound, and consensus is largely absent. This paper attempts to overcome limited views to produce an adequate definition of sport, to locate its precise boundaries, and to ferret out its essential core.

The research procedure consists of five major components: (1) a preliminary assessment of the requirements and difficulties of the task; (2) a systematic de lineation of the individual factors and characteristics deemed to be essential com ponents of the concept of sport in a rigorous scrutiny of more than fifty research studies which concern themselves, at least in part, with this task; (3) an extended, critical analysis of three major characteristics-the necessity and nature of physical skill or prowess, institutionalization, and the "play-game-sport" continuum; (4) the presentation of work towards an acceptable definition of sport; and (5) a differen tiation of the concept of sport from the concepts of play and game.
Sport Ideal and Sport Involvement Among Adolescents
Authors: Stensaasen Svein
Published: March 2007

One of the many "taken-for-granted" assumptions that prevails within the realm of sport, states that top level athletes serve as ideals for children, and thus contributes to create and broaden the interest for sport among the younger generation. Top level athletes are thus assumed to play similar functions vis a vis youngsters' and their relations to sport as, for instance, certain pop stars are supposed to do as regards youngsters' relations to pop music.

This report is going to deal with the mentioned "taken-for-granted" assumption and thus only touch a small part of the whole problem of adolescent sub-cultures, as we shall focus attention on some problems of sport ideal and sport involvement. More specifically the intention is, in the first place to look into the theoretical basis for making assumptions about sport ideals and their potential impact upon youngsters' involvement in sport, and, in the second place, to highlight on an empirical basis:

— The extent to which male and female youngsters of different age choose a sport ideal,

— to what extent male and female athletes are chosen as ideals,

— which sport branches are represented in the choices, and

— the relationship between having a sport ideal and (a) the youngsters' involvement in sport and (b) their social background.
The Social Role of Sports Events in Poland and Hungary
Authors: Szabo Gyonghy Földesiné , Krawczyk Zbigniew
Published: March 2007

In the last years both in Hungary and in Poland the attendance of sports events has decreased among adolescents and adults. In their study the authors examine the reasons of this phenomenon.

Based on their cross-culture survey they analyse the following problems:

— Do the various social groups of the two nations (pupils of secondary school and their parents) attach social value to the sport-consuming?

— Why do some pupils and adults consider sports events, as a social value, and why do others not do so?

— To what extent do the different social groups realize their recognized value in this field?

The authors demonstrate that both - the Hungarian and Polish pupils and their parents recognize the social importance of the sports events but the content of their requirement has changed. Their expectations toward sports events are not any more of a primary sport character, but rather a cultural nature in the broad sense of the word.

The attendance of sports events will increase only then, when competitions and matches will better suit the new requirements.

The authors point out, that some sociological factors, such as: sex, dwelling place and occupation influence pupils' and adults' attitude towards sports events more than nationality.
Sports Activity during the Life of Citizens
Authors: Bierstedt Heidi
Published: March 2007

Since sports activity is an indispensable condition for the joy of life, efficien cy and health from early childhood until retirement age, it is one of the most important goals of socialist society to encourage all the citizens of all the age groups to practice an optimum of sports activities.

The inclusion of sports activity in the course of life of citizens is a dynamic and controversial process which does not procced in an identical way all the time and can make its appearance in stages of active, regular sports activity, practicing of sport from time to time and a passive attitude towards sport. That is why it is necessary during the various stages of life to introduce self-education and to overcome one's own weakness. Needed too is stimulation and support on the part of sports organizations, the fellow students or workers, and the family.

Interest in sports activity is to a considerable extent determined by social factors and changes in working and living condtions during the course of life.

The continuity of sports activity during childhood until old age depends also markedly on awareness of the positive results brought about by the practicing of sport and on the emotional ties with sport or a sports group. To some extent it de pends on the fact whether the sports organization and other social forces succeed in providing sports facilities, proper training programs and the organizational forms, whether they introduce the proper time volume and shape the correct pre ferences for partners which would be in accordance with the specific requirements of the given age group.
A Critique of Non-normative Sport Sociology in the United States
Authors: Rose David A.
Published: March 2007

American sport sociology is in a crisis state. Non-normative sport sociolo gists perceive themselves as the vanguard out of the present wilderness. It has been argued here that the normative center (nee non-normative) investigators have actually contributed to the crisis. They have distorted the proper under standing of methodology, both because they were mimicking ideas once extant in mainstream sociology but also because by so doing they were attempting to en sure their own academic legitimacy and survival. These survival efforts, however, are being quickly undermined by the Center's inability to produce significant theo ry. Loy's definition of the nature of sport symbolizes the problem. As an early effort to conceptually organize the field, it appears impressive. But the respect it has gained and the stature it has achieved since it was first written depend on one crucial factor. Heretofore, the work has never been critically examined. Upon examination, the definition can be seen to be rife with inconsistencies, inad equacies, and ambiguities. Consequently, these same problems are abundant in the body of knowledge of the normative center. Stated succinctly, the situation is this: the normative center has not offered a single concept or theory which pushes understanding of sport beyond that gleaned by the insightful fan from the mass media.
Forum
Authors: Eichberg Henning
Published: March 2007

Olympism is more than just an ideology or organizational concept of international sport, also more than the economic interests connected with it. In it a social pattern materializes which forms everyday life above and beyond sport - the everyday culture of the western (and east European) industrial society. However, it fails to reckon with extra-European peoples. If today a new anticolonial movement emerges in the name of "cultural identity", what does that mean for sport? In four areas of physical culture, so it seems, alternatives are developing: national cultural games, the open air movement, expressional activities and meditative exercises.
Over-Commercialization of the Olympics 1988: The Role of U.S. Television Networks
Authors: Min Gyungsook
Published: March 2007

In the recent history of the Olympic Games, the price of the United States television rights has increased for each successive Game and the Olympic organizations have become heavily dependent financially on the United States networks. During the preparation for the 1988 Olympic Games, the United States networks realized how dependent the Seoul Olympic Organization Committee was; they requested and succeeded in changing the schedule of events for their television prime time in order to ensure that they could make a profit by broadcasting the Olympic Games. This further accelerated the process of commercialization of the Olympics.
The Commodification of Sport
Authors: Sewart John J.
Published: March 2007

This paper examines a series of changes experienced within sport as it undergoes a process of commodification. It is argued that this process constitutes a degradation of athletic activity. The interpretations of such changes are examined in light of the debate over mass culture and the popular arts. This controversy has centered on whether the nature of modern sport has become debauched as it is subsumed to the logic of the marketplace. It is suggested that puerility has come to dominate sport as modern culture becomes standardised and administered as a commodity. Sport is thus viewed in terms of the tensions between its emancipatory potential and its function as a commodity for social consumption.
Gender-Differences in Sport and Movement in Finland
Authors: Marin Marjatta
Published: March 2007

Male and female age-cohorts resemble each other quite clearly in their sport involvement. The greatest differences between men and women are shown to be in organized and competitive sports mainly practiced by men, and in so-called "untied" movement (i.e. physical exercise that does not require any pre-arrangements), more of a female domain. The various age-cohorts differ in sport involvement from each other more among men than among women. This is examined from several angles: as a question of role or gender expectations, of different life-situations and possibilities, of different meanings and contents of sport and movement, and of different sport cultures and myths.