bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Education policies as means to tackle income disparity: the Singapore case
Authors: Mukhopadhaya Pundarik
Published: June 2007

Outlines the education system in Singapore, discusses various education policies taken by the government of Singapore and examines their equality‐enhancing effects. Explores how parents’ educational background affects the educational attainment of students and thus gives them a better opportunity to avail themselves of the fruits of education policies. Suggests some futhre strategies.
Group counselling in schools: effective or not?
Authors: Grant Hayes B.
Published: June 2007

Suggests taht group counselling in schools can be a valuable experience for children. Argues that it allows them to develop social skills and practise behaviours with peers as well as receiving feedback. Examines the literature on the effectiveness of group counselling in schools and provides guidance for the development of school policy for the delivery of counselling to school age students.
Suicide prevention and youth: recommendations for public policy
Authors: Lazarus Philip J. , Kalafat John
Published: June 2007

States that suicidal behaviour among youth has increased significantly over the past several decades and is now the third leading cause of death for 15‐24 year olds. Addresses public policy issues and the current state research aimed at reducing the incidence of suicide in this age group. Suggests that schools and their systems should do a great deal more to prevent youth suicide and that schools are the logical place to implement effective suicide prevention programmes.
Identity discourse: problems, presuppositions and educational practice
Authors: Gaudelli William
Published: June 2007

States that identity discourse is one of the most significant ideas of our time but significant problems have arisen within this area of scholarship. Cites five problem areas as essentializing social groups, categorizing individuals automatically and superficially, failing to recognize the power/knowledge dynamic, marginalizing disparate voices and totalizing the individual. Suggests that these can be fruitfully re‐examined in light of competing presuppositional philosophies relevant to identity: rationalist and constructionalist. Discusses how each perspective is potentially beneficial to educators in this field and considers how they may be employed in their work with students and the curriculum.
Deconstructing paradise: beneath the hegemonic illusions of harmony
Authors: Chung Ed , Jenkel Iris , McLarney Carolan
Published: June 2007

Attempts to show the underlying layers of contradictions and tensions beneath the illusions of harmony that have been socially constructed. Shows how organisation members may not be cognisant of the repressive structure that they themselves help to build and looks at how this structure is held together through hegemonic story‐telling. Reveals that while a strong sense of cohesiveness and group identify is often applauded as humanising, domination and control can be exercised through this process of identity development and that a common out‐group “enemy” can be adopted to divert attention away from the anxieties and tension of the current state.
The influence of parental choice on appropriate use of healthcare resources for children
Authors: Waibel Ruth A.
Published: June 2007

Identifies the factors associated with the over utilisation of emergency services or the under utilisation of primary care services. Uses a two year abstraction of medical records containing 2035 visits across 253 children under the age of two. Shows that parents who used less primary care services and too much emergency care provision were often black, single unsupported mother from low income families with low education and little insurance. Cites barriers as location, lack of transport and cost.
Social exclusion and public policy: the relationship between local school admission arrangements and segregation by poverty
Authors: Gorard Stephen , Taylor Chris , Fitz John
Published: June 2007

Examines patterns of social exclusion in the compulsory school system of England and Wales. Suggests that the weakening of local government control of the school system from the 1980s onwards led to a very real fear that market forces would lead to increased polarisation of school intakes and results in terms of social background. Lists key policy changes and early research relevant to the increased use of market forces in compulsory education. Describes the methods used to investigate the impact of this policy change on the secondary school system. Summarises the findings before presenting some tentative explanations and conclusion. States that the Local Education Authority still have a significant role to play.
Young people’s explanations and experiences of social exclusion: retrieving Bourdieu’s concept of social capital
Authors: Morrow Virginia
Published: June 2007

Explores the ideas that a group’s social capital is related to levels of social exclusion, together with the policy implication that social capital can be developed in order to counter exclusion. Analyses a school‐based research project which looks at the relationship of social capital to the well‐being of children and young people covering gender, ethnicity, age, trust and community. Concludes that Putnam’s widely used concept of social capital is problematic as it over‐emphasises “bridging, linking and bonding and neglects material, economic and political factors”. Suggests that Bourdieu’s concept is more useful.
Unemployment and social mobility in East Germany
Authors: Sackmann Reinhold , Windzio Michael , Wingens Matthias
Published: June 2007

Suggests that youth unemployment is seen in East Germany as a critical life event because not only may it “scar” individuals’ careers but there is the fear that it may be a cause of other social problems such as criminal and racist behaviour. Bases the study on event‐history and optimal‐matching analysis. Considers seven hypotheses about the impact of unemployment on social mobility career transitions. Findings suggest that unemployment can raise those chances of upward, downward and lateral mobility.
An international comparative analysis of marriage patterns and social stratification
Authors: Prandy Ken , Jones Frank L.
Published: June 2007

An international comparative analysis of marriage patterns and social stratification measures based on the occupations of married and cohabiting partners, considering how close or far they are from each other socially as indicated by relative rates of inter‐marriage. Presents preliminary findings from six countries: Australia, UK, Germany, Hungary, Ireland and the USA. Outlines some of the problems involved in creating such measures and their potential solution. Looks at national differences in the strength of the relationship between marriage patterns and social stratification, as well as in the location of particular occupational groups.
Risk of social exclusion in later life: how well do the pension systems of Britain and the US accommodate women’s paid and unpaid work?
Authors: Ginn Jay
Published: June 2007

Considers the way in which UK and American pension schemes are structured for women’s poverty and social exclusion in later life. Analyses recent trends in women’s employment and the impacts on current pension structures. Looks at the impact of different pension schemes and goes on to cover the effect on different classes and ethnicities. States that childcare is currently uncrecognised within pension systems as it is unwaged work and can lead to serious adverse financial impacts on women undertaking this role.
Lithuanian women in the education system
Authors: Cymbaliuk Dalia
Published: June 2007

Cites education as a sphere of tremendous achievement for Lithuanian women with 58.6 per cent of university and 70 per cent of high school graduates being female. Portrays the relationship between men and women in the country, looking at teaching and academic life in particular. Concludes that top positions are still difficult to achieve and progress is slow. Notes some changes in one institution.
Women in higher education in the United States: II statistics
Authors: Dugger Karen
Published: June 2007

Provides a statistical overview of vertical and horizontal in equality on gender relations in higher education in the USA. States that though the female share of presidents, doctorates and enrolment is increasing, women earn less than men, lead lower status and small universities and choose lower status majors. Presents evidence suggesting that white women are more discriminated against than black women and that the integration of women in “male” disciplines has slowed down.
The Arabian modern man: a comparative study
Authors: Alwraikat Ayed A. , Simadi Fayez A.
Published: June 2007

Examines the relationship between some socio‐demographic factors and modernity in Jordan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Looks at 630 subjects from Jordan and 209 from the UAE and uses multiple regression to examine the role of these factors in explaining their attitudes to modernity. Includes predictor variables such as: educational attainment, place of living, age, income, occupation, nationality and gender. Concludes that the Jordanians had a more modern orientation and that education, place of living, age and income were the most influential factors.
Steps to help prevent sexual harassment and discrimination from occurring in fire fighting organisations
Authors: Moore Stephanie , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

Defines sexual harassment and discrimination in law before covering the effects which these issues bring. Considers the traditional culture of the fire service and the barriers the industry may still possess. Gives recent examples of discrimination in today’s service and outlines steps for prevention covering areas such as education and training, recruitment, and policy. Looks at ways to combat issues when such procedures fail.
New developments concerning discrimination by manufacturers
Authors: Mueller Matt , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

Outlines the role of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and covers the Civil Rights Act 1964 before briefly mentioning the Age discrimination in Employment Act 1967, equal pay Act 1963, Americans with Disabilities Act 1990 and other laws. Provides statistics from the EEOC website and also looks at affirmative action. Considers recent developments affecting Manufacturers in relation to race, sex age and disabilities, citing case law examples. Discusses reverse discrimination and concludes that companies need to keep pace with developments.
The psychological effects of working in a racially hostile environment
Authors: Shin Sunney , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

Defines a racially hostile environment before going on to analyse factors that perpetuate such an environment. Studies four major groups, African Americans, Asian American, Latin American and North Americans before considering the psychological effects which such environments can have in employees. Outlines the characteristics of an at‐risk individual and looks at management responsibilities. Concludes with the legal ramifications.
New developments concerning sexual orientation discrimination and harassment
Authors: Correia Nara , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

Outlines the lack of legal protection for lesbian, gay and bisexual citizens. Provides reasons for the employers to adopt specific policies in the absence of such laws to protect such individuals. Outlines the few areas which have laws affecting these individuals. Describes the characteristics of a “gay friendly” workplace. Concludes that the number of companies adopting such practices will increase as they understand the benefits.
The old boys’ network today
Authors: Gamba Michelle , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

Asks if the “old boy’s network” still exists today. Suggests that it does, but its power is less than it used to be. Proffers the idea of a new “old boy’s network” particularly in relation to the Internet industry, stating that, while younger and more hippy, it shares many similarities. Looks at the lack of women in senior positions and the male control of venture capital forms. Provides suggestions on how to fight this system including networking as women.
New developments concerning discrimination and harassment of gay students
Authors: Wei Chang Chi , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

Provides some examples of real harassment incidents against gay students. Gives some statistics on the numbers of individuals who experience harassment. Looks at ways schools are trying to protect these individuals by the developing of policies, social clubs and alliances and the education of both student and teacher. Considers the problems of each and concludes that if American public education is to fulfil its mission, people must ensure equity for all and prevent any violence.
New developments concerning religious discrimination in the workplace
Authors: Huang Chi‐Chen , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

Suggets that requests for religious accommodation may well explode over the next decade and that a rising number of discrimination cases are being filed. Cites the most common elements of religious discrimination as the discounting of other people’s beliefs, religious jokes, compulsory services, exclusionary prayer, non association due to religion, failure to provide alternative services and lack of concern. Discusses the Workplace Religious freedom Act and the guidance of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Provides some examples of good practice and lists some recommendations.
Pregnancy in the workplace
Authors: Chester Nefertiti , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

Cites that the problem of pregnancy discrimination is most prevalent in the hiring practices of a corporation. Reviews the legislation passed that addresses pregnancy discrimination in the workplace in the US compared to Europe and looks at new developments on this topic though the perspective of the pregnant employee and the employer. Concludes that the issue is a worldwide one and the need for retention of good staff an important factor. Gives examples of policies which help retention of employees after childbirth.
How to write non‐discrimination policies effectively
Authors: Fahrenhorst Robert , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

Considers the most effective way to write a non‐discrimination policy. Provides a framework of things to include such as a strong opening statement, objectives, definitions, legislation and examples of areas where discrimination should be avoided. Covers complaint procedures. Touches slightly on how to effectively implement these policies within the workplace together with suggestions to reduce employer’s liability.
Sex discrimination in fire fighting organisations
Authors: Wang Shih‐Yung , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

Outlines a brief history of the position of women in the fire fighting industry and the views held by some sectors. Briefly defines sex discrimination and then discusses a number of cases filed against various fire fighting organisations in the US. Gives examples of where barriers are actively being removed and looks at the changes from a managerial viewpoint. Concludes that this industry is an area for concern and immediate improvements need to be made to avoid future litigation.
Choices, constraints, and calling: conservative protestant women and the meaning of work in the US
Authors: Scott Tracy L.
Published: June 2007

Uses qualitative data to explore how contemporary religious beliefs mark conceptions of work, particularly with regards to the beliefs of conservative protestant women. Compares liberal protestant women and men as well as conservative men against this group. States that conservative women consider motherhood as their most important work yet they are also most likely to feel “called” to their paid work. Cites that this has important implications for the sociological literature on gender and work. Builds on the original work of Max Weber.
Culture and commodifictation: technology and structural power in the early US recording industry
Authors: Dowd Timothy J.
Published: June 2007

Draws on Neo‐Weberian theory to argue that commodification is itself a cultural process, whilst not discounting the potentially negative effect of commercialisation. Examines product conception in the early US recording industry citing three disparate periods. Shows that in the late 1870s, recording firms sold and leased phonographs to entrepreneurs for public exhibitions, the the late 1880s firms leased phonographs and graphophones for dictation purpose and in the 1890s, firms exploited the phonograph by offering musical recordings. Concludes that structural power helped shape the product concepts of the industry.
The social dimensions of the AIDS epidemic: a sociology of the AIDS epidemic
Authors: Bowser Benjamin P.
Published: June 2007

Concentrates on HIV/AIDS prevention practitioners and how the AIDS epidemic can be recognized in such a way as to influence individuals to assist in prevention. Highlights how the gay community, in particular, have managed to reduce deaths and infection but that the newer members of the community seem to be falling by the wayside now. Discusses social and psychological theories involved in the fight in AIDS prevention. States that in the USA the effective interventions being discontinued are the poorly funded or not at all. Concludes the fight against AIDS through publicity and knowledge must go on.
Mass media effects on AIDS knowledge and sexual behavior in Africa with special reference to Ghana
Authors: Benefo Kofi D. , Takyi Baffuor K.
Published: June 2007

Shows, in detail, how many African countries have concentrated on prevention of HIV through changing their citizens sexual behaviours with Ghana being spotlighted. Posits that Ghana is at the mid‐stage of the epidemic and uses data to explain this. Uses tables to show the lack of knowledge, by the citizens of Ghana, to AIDS prevention. Concludes that this study has tried to resolve two major problems in AIDS prevention: 1, specific nature of items of knowledge and behaviour influenced by mass media; and 2, neglecting control for exposure to interpersonal communication channels, thereby playing an important part in AIDS information provision omission.
HIV, sexually transmitted infections and social inequalities: when the transmission is more social than sexual
Authors: Heffernan Catherine
Published: June 2007

Spotlights the body of work with regard to the sociology of AIDS showing how this has grown over the last two decades of the twentieth century. Indicates that sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are affected by patterns of sexual behaviour along with drug related practices. Cites the vulnerability of low socio‐economic groups to STIs, with the use of an explanatory figure with lots of detail within it. Summarizes that health research on inequality, particularly with regard to HIV and STIs would assist greatly in determining the relevant factors.
Institutional anomie and societal variations in crime: a critical appraisal
Authors: Jensen Gary
Published: June 2007

Messner and Rosenfeld have proposed an institutional anomie theory of crime, incorporating the proposition that societal investments in programs to buffer citizens from capricious market forces (decommodification) are inversely related to rates of lethal violence among societies. They support this argument through an analysis of variations in homicide rates among nations. However, the research relevant to their theory is quite limited with numerous claims and arguments yet to be examined. This paper outlines several limitations of the theory and brings data from the World Values Surveys and other sources to bear on their characterization of American culture in comparison to other nations, their arguments about the impact of economic dominance on other institutions, and alternative explanations of the link between decommodification and homicide. Finally, the relevance of the theory to serious property crime is considered and shown to generate serious problems for institutional anomie theory when evaluated as a general theory of crime.
Redefining intimate partner violence: women’s experiences with physical violence and non‐physical abuse by age
Authors: Mezey Nancy J. , Post Lori A. , Maxwell Christopher D.
Published: June 2007

This study examines the relationship between age, physical violence and non‐physical abuse within the context of intimate partner violence (IPV). It tests the hypothesis that while the prevalence of physical violence is lower among older women, other forms of intimate partner violence are not related to age. The study uses data from the Michigan Violence Against Women Survey to measure physical violence and two forms of non‐physical abuse: psychological vulnerability and autonomy‐limiting behavior. Findings support the hypothesis that the rate of physical abuse is negatively related to age but the rate of nonphysical abuse is not. By expanding the definition of IPV to include other forms of abusive behavior, the study finds that older women have IPV prevalence rates similar to younger women. This raises the question of whether batterers alter their means of power and control by emphasizing non‐physical abuse rather than continuing to use physical violence that exposes them to formal and informal social controls and sanctions.
A different face of faith‐based politics: social capital and community organizing in the public arena
Authors: Wood Richard L. , Warren Mark R.
Published: June 2007

Questions whether, in the USA, faith‐based communities can have an important effect on politics. Contends that other areas, where there are poorer communities, are more likely to be influenced politically in civil society although does not preclude other income sectors from being similarly affected just that deprived areas are more likely to listen to faith‐based organizers.
Bridging and bonding capital: pluralist ethnic relations in Silicon Valley
Authors: Fernandez Marilyn , Nichols Laura
Published: June 2007

Proclaims that in recent years there has been considerable research examining the benefits of social connectedness for a variety of outcomes, such as health and general well being. Argues, while bonding capital is beneficial to the self‐interest of the individual or small group, bridging capital is what is necessary to build a collective identity as a nation. Concludes that because people have varying access, with regard to formal organizations, their ability to use social capital for their benefit, and the benefit of their communities, may be of short‐term duration.
Income inequality and social institutions: beyond the Kuznets curve and economic determinism
Authors: Zafirovski Milan
Published: June 2007

The paper outlines and examines a social‐institutional conception of income inequality or economic distribution. The fundamental proposition of this conception is that income inequality/distribution is far from being the outcome of the operation of strictly market laws or economic forces but rather one of institutional arrangements or social structures. Of the latter particularly important have shown to be the institutional structure of the economy, particularly labour markets, as well as the degree of democracy of political systems. The results suggest transcending single‐factor economic explanations and predictions of income inequality, as implied in the Kuznets curve and its ramifications, in favour of an alternative multilevel sociological approach.
A course is a course, of course, of course (unless it’s an animals and society course): challenging boundaries in academia
Authors: Flynn Clifton P.
Published: June 2007

Only within the past decade have sociologists begun to investigate the relationships between humans and other animals. Even more recently, college courses that examine this subject have emerged. This article looks at one such undergraduate sociology course – Animals and Society – at the University of South Carolina Spartanburg. It outlines the opposition to the course and the fight for its approval. Then an overview of the course objectives and content is presented, followed by an assessment of the impact of the course on students. Finally the implications of the emergence of animals and society courses in sociology, and the new sub‐field of animal studies, are discussed.
Global and domestic actors within the global climate change regime: toward a theory of the global
environmental system
Authors: Fisher Dana R.
Published: June 2007

This paper presents the theory of the global environmental system to explain the different climate change regimes emerging from advanced industrialized nations. Using data collected regarding the formation of domestic climate change regimes in the United States, Japan, and the Netherlands, the specifics of the theory are outlined. I begin by analyzing the expectations of some of the more prominent sociological theories about the society‐environment relationship in the advanced world finding that they do not explain the disparate responses to the regulation of greenhouse gases in these countries. The theory of the global environmental system is proposed as an alternative to the rather extreme expectations of the sociological literature on society/environment relationships. Through this proposed theory, we can better understand successful cases of global climate change regimes within the context of the interrelations among domestic and international actors.
Comparative public opinion and knowledge on global climatic change and the Kyoto Protocol: the US versus the world?
Authors: Brechin1 Steven R.
Published: June 2007

Using a variety of public opinion polls over a number of years and from a number of countries this paper revisits the questions of crossnational public concern for global warming first examined over a decade ago. Although the scientific community today speaks out on global climatic change in essentially a unified voice concerning its anthropogenic causes and potential devastating impacts at the global level, it remains the case that many citizens of a number of nations still seem to harbor considerable uncertainties about the problem itself. Although it could be argued that there has been a slight improvement over the last decade in the public’s understanding regarding the anthropogenic causes of global warming, the people of all the nations studied remain largely uniformed about the problem. In a recent international study on knowledge about global warming, the citizens of Mexico led all fifteen countries surveyed in 2001 with just twenty‐six percent of the survey respondents correctly identifying burning fossil fuels as the primary cause of global warming. The citizens of the U.S., among the most educated in the world, where somewhere in the middle of the pack, tied with the citizens of Brazil at fifteen percent, but slightly lower than Cubans. In response to President Bush’s withdrawal of the Kyoto Protocol in 1991, the U.S. public appears to be far more supportive of the action than the citizens of a number of European countries where there was considerable outrage about the decision.
Correlates of female juvenile delinquency
Authors: Lane Erin C.
Published: June 2007

This study examines the relationships between the age at which female juvenile offenders receive their first sentencing and individual risk factors, family risk factors, and race. The individual risk factors include dropping out of school, physical abuse, sexual abuse, prostitution, substance abuse, gang involvement, poverty, pregnancy, and the existence of co‐defendants. The family risk factors include parents’ marital status, familial criminal activity, education level of parents, and receipt of public assistance. The results showed individual risk factors to have a statistically significant relationship with the dependent variable, age at first sentencing. Family risk factors did not have a statistically significant relationship to the dependent variable. Socio‐demographic risk factors were found to be statistically significant only indirectly, through the individual risk factor scale.
Street culture in Cambridge, Massachusetts?: the perceptions of “poor”, “at‐risk” teens near Harvard
Authors: Janelle Dance L. , Young Kim Dae , Bern Thomas
Published: June 2007

Urban sociological research posits a strong correlation between social isolation and the growth in illicit activities of street culture, namely the drug trade and violent gang activities. However, in this article we offer an explanation for why, even in the absence of extreme poverty and social isolation from mainstream institutions, youths in Cambridge, Massachusetts feel vulnerable to illicit street cultural activities. We also offer an explanation for why these youths perceive the effects of social dislocation to be similar to that experienced by youths from larger central cities. As we will elaborate below, some students in Cambridge are affected by illicit street cultural activities because: (1) social dislocation is a relative phenomenon and not merely an absolute phenomenon as described by William J. Wilson; (2) there is a social dislocation spill‐over effect from larger central cities that intensifies or amplifies the experiences of youths in the relatively poorer neighborhoods of Cambridge; (3) and some youths, from stable working‐class or wealthier neighborhoods in Cambridge, view involvement in the illicit activities of street culture as a reputable means of gaining peer respect through status group affiliation.
Risk and youth: a critical sociological narrative
Authors: Powell Jason L. , Edwards Margaret
Published: June 2007

This paper considers the concept of risk as applied to an understanding of the nature and changing relationship between social welfare and youth in the United Kingdom. The paper begins by drawing on the sociological work of Ulrich Beck (1992) in order to examine how changes in modern society have led to what has been coined the “risk society”. An assessment is then made of historical narratives of social welfare which positioned younger individuals in society. Attention then focuses on an examination of neo‐liberalism in contemporary times as a key feature of the “risk society” and the recasting of the state, welfare agents and younger people. In particular, the paper observes the rise of managerialism and consumer narratives that are central to neo‐liberalism and management of social welfare yet are indicative of risk. The article concludes by arguing for an interface between risk and a critical sociology of youth.
Learning experiences of doctoral students in UK universities
Authors: Chiang Kuang‐Hsu
Published: June 2007

This paper compares the learning experiences of full‐time PhD students in 28 Education Departments and 31 Chemistry Departments in British universities. A questionnaire composed of two major dimensions of the learning experiences, supervision and research environment for doctoral students, was distributed to about 2,200 students. It is found that Chemistry departments are seen as offering better doctoral education as perceived by students than Education departments on most counts, especially regarding academic culture of facilitation, intercultural facilitation of research for foreign students and research facilities in research environment for doctoral students. Supervision is perceived to be more satisfactory in Chemistry than in Education especially in aspects of supervisor’s knowledge, supervisor’s research workload, supervisor’s student‐load and supervisor’s helpfulness in finding funding. A theoretical framework of the Teamwork and Individualist research training structures to discuss the possible causes of these findings is offered. It is proposed that disciplinary diversity in effectiveness of doctoral education is engendered by the two distinct research training structures.
The construction of professionalism in new and existing occupational contexts: promoting and facilitating occupational change
Authors: Evetts Julia
Published: June 2007

Professions, as a special (privileged) category of service‐sector occupations, are nowadays perceived as under threat from organizational, economic and political changes. Many of these threats concern the medical profession (and sometimes the legal profession). The use of the discourse of professionalism in other occupational contexts is seldom addressed, however, yet it is this, which is providing a much more interesting challenge to social scientists. In this paper the increased deployment of the concept “professional” is critically discussed and the power of the discourse of professionalism is explored more closely. The increased use of “professionalism” in new and existing occupational contexts is considered as a mechanism for facilitating and promoting social and occupational change. Many of these occupations provide services and often women constitute the bulk of the practitioners in these occupational groups. It is time to look again then at professionalism as a set of persuasive ideas or an ideology and to examine the power of these ideas and this discourse in terms of social order and control of occupational groups and individual “professionalised” practitioners.
Care for the elderly: welfare system, professionalisation and the question of inequality
Authors: Theobald Hildegard
Published: June 2007

Since the 1960s, the health system has seen the professionalisation of a new occupation, carer of the elderly. The form and result of this process differs between countries according to their welfare systems. In this paper, the differences will be analysed in a comparison between two countries, Germany and Sweden, the representatives of two prototypical welfare systems. Sweden is renowned for its state‐oriented universal welfare system, whereas Germany is considered to be an example of a conservative, family‐oriented system. The process of professionalisation and its consequences for the carer and the care receivers will be looked at from the perspective of gender and social inequality. On a theoretical basis, this paper includes gendered and mainstream welfare state approaches and thus combines issues of gender and social inequality, as well as theories in the area of professionalisation. Empirically, the development of the new occupation is examined in two phases. In the first step, it looks at the time‐period between the 60s and 80s, when the stateoriented vs. family‐oriented principles of care for the elderly were established. The 90s brought about change in both countries. In Germany, with the introduction of the Long‐term Care Insurance, a new mode of care has developed, shared between informal family care, and public or private providers. In Sweden, budget restrictions in the 90s in this area led to a reorganisation, restructuring and reduction of the role of the welfare state. The consequences of the different processes in both countries will be discussed from the perspective of the predominantly female employees and the receivers of care. The results reveal a complex interaction between patterns of gender and social inequality and welfare state policies for the carers and care receivers.
Lying: deception in human affairs
Authors: Meltzer Bernard M.
Published: June 2007

Seeking to clarify the concept of lying, I deal with several topics on which ideas vary. I consider the symbolic, intentional, misleading, and relational character of lies, and include secrecy and other forms of deliberate deception within lies on the basis of these components. Next, I distinguish between human and nonhuman deception, invoking the concepts of symbols, role‐taking, self, and mind. Following this, I present several representative categories of the infinite array of benign and exploitive social contexts in which lying occurs. In a brief discussion, I then impugn the commonly‐used notion of “self‐deception” as internally contradictory. And, finally, I describe both negative and positive consequences of deception in human affairs.
Playing the blame game: casting guilt and avoiding stigma during a tuberculosis health crisis
Authors: Jimenez Antonio D.
Published: June 2007

This study examines the consequences of stigmatization that occurred during a tuberculosis outbreak concentrated among Puerto Rican clients enrolled in a Chicago drug treatment center. Using ethnographic methods, I examine three factors that contributed to the stigmatization of those with TB. One factor concerns the fear elicited by the deadly disease that aroused reactions among Puerto Rican community members that were derived from earlier experiences. A second factor involves traditional public health measures enacted in response to the outbreak that facilitating labeling of those with TB, further fueling stigmatization. A third factor concerns the re‐articulation of group boundaries occurring among drug program inhabitants, whereby TB‐impacted persons were marginalized in order to reaffirmed the status of others whose identity had been compromised by the epidemic. The
study’s implications for public health are discussed and suggestions are offered for developing innovative intervention approaches.
Loss of site: organizational site moves as organizational deaths
Authors: Milligan Melinda J.
Published: June 2007

This paper broadens and extends the idea of organizational death by arguing that certain organizational site moves, those in which employees hold a strong place attachment to the to be left, are a form of organizational death. It argues for the utility of viewing organizational change as involving loss and including space in studies of everyday organizational experiences. Using ethnographic research (participant‐observation and in‐depth interviews with the employees) of one such organization (the “Coffee House”) and a negotiated‐order perspective, discusses employee beliefs as to how the site move should have been managed as a means to document their understanding of the move as a loss experience and as a form of organizational death.
Nursing staff attitudes following restructuring: the role of perceived organizational support, restructuring processes and stressors
Authors: Burke Ronald J.
Published: June 2007

This study, using a longitudinal design, examined the relationship of perceived organizational support (POS) and job satisfaction among hospital‐based nursing staff survivors of significant healthcare restructuring. In addition, the role of both restructuring processes and restructuring stressors in affecting POS, and the potential mediating role of POS in the relationship between both restructuring processes and stressors and job satisfaction, was considered. Data were collected from 393 respondents at two points separated by three years. Levels of POS were relatively low on both occasions and declined slightly over the three year period. POS and job satisfaction were found to have a bi‐directional relationship over time. Both restructuring processes and stressors had significant relationships with POS, positive and negative respectively. POS fully mediated the relationship between restructuring processes and job satisfaction and partially mediated the relationship between restructuring stressors and job satisfaction.
Ageing, technologies of self and bio‐medicine: a Foucauldian excursion
Authors: Powell Jason L. , Biggs Simon
Published: June 2007

This paper unravels the conceptual and theoretical insights of Foucault’s later work on technologies of self in order to understand Bio‐medicine which impinges on the social construction of ageing. The article attempts to show how Foucault’s theoretical insights allows scholars of sociology and social policy to provide a critical appraisal of ageing. The paper also examines the relationship between ageing and self‐care in three contextual domains: good health management; use of counselling; and bodily enhancement.
Disciplining animals: sentience, production, and critique
Authors: Williams Anna
Published: June 2007

This essay critiques the assertion that an appreciation of animal sentience necessarily runs counter to their exploitation as industrial resources. It is argued that the U.S. meatpacking industry has consistently engaged animals as sentient creatures in order to elicit behavior that enhances manufacturing efficiency. This discipline of animals in and around the packing plant is exemplified in Temple Grandin’s “humane” slaughter technologies. The author suggests that even as the representation of these innovations tends to obscure the role of labor in industrial meat production, they demonstrate that discipline is a cross‐species regime, recasting the packing plant as a continuum of violence.
International progress and regress on animal rights
Authors: Berry Bonnie
Published: June 2007

This paper addresses the social forces, such as cultural traditions, economic structures, and legal systems, affecting animal (human and nonhuman) rights. Also considered are the cross‐cultural degrees of societal advancement on rights, as illustrated by cultures that are stagnant on rights, progressive on rights, and regressive on rights. The definition of “advanced” versus “primitive” cultures is somewhat complicated with the argument being that technologically and materially advanced cultures can be primitive on rights issues, as found in the present‐day US. The right‐wing Bush administration, greatly aided by the “war on terrorism”, has devolved human rights by reducing civil liberties, freedom of assembly, educational opportunities, and economic equality. This repression of human rights has repercussions for environmental protection and nonhuman rights, as demonstrated herein.
Organisational culture and work‐life conflict in the UK
Authors: Bond Sue
Published: June 2007

This article employs linear regression techniques to model the variables associated with work‐life balance outcomes of employees. Using data from employee surveys carried out in four financial sector companies in Scotland, it was found that while the level of perceived availability did not have an impact on work‐life balance, organisational culture was significantly associated. This indicates that without a supportive work‐life organisational culture, the provision of arrangements in themselves will not necessarily lead to better work‐life balance outcomes. The analysis also shows that longer working hours, job status, take‐up and experiences of limited access to arrangements were significantly associated with work‐life outcomes. The findings are discussed in the context of recent government legislation and initiatives and further research examining the impact of work‐life initiatives on employees is recommended.
Predictors of health promotion behavours among Asian Indian immigrants: implications for practitioners
Authors: Misra Ranjita , Gupta Rashmi
Published: June 2007

The purpose of this study was to examine the health promotion behaviours of Gujarati Asian Indian immigrants in the United States. Although there is an abundance of literature on health promotion behaviours, research on Asian Indian immigrant’s health promotion behaviour remains unexplored. The research was conducted on a national sample of 261 Gujurati immigrants via survey questionnaire. Apath model was utilised to test predictors of health promotion behaviours among the respondents. Findings reveal that health promotion behaviours were positively associated with the respondent’s age, number of work hours and negatively associated with meal change to a more western diet. Implications for social work practitioners are discussed.
Moving beyond the controversy: remembering the many contributions of Laud Humphreys to sociology and the study of sexuality
Authors: Schacht Steven P.
Published: June 2007

Introduces the reader to Laud Humphreys and his contribution to sociology and the study of sexuality, in the view of Steven Schact, Professor of Sociology at Plattsburgh State University, USA and editor of this special issue of IJSSP. Goes on to show Laud Humphrey’s works and their effect on the psyche of the “breastplate of righteousness”, with regard to criticism of homosexual casual sex in public places.
Beyond the interaction membrane: Laud Humphreys’ tearoom tradeoff
Authors: Hollister John
Published: June 2007

Investigates “cruising” (how homosexual men move around to various meeting sites), and how men keep this from intruding into their “normal” lives. Highlights how Laud Humphreys researched this phenomenon through, initially, observing 12 “tearoom” regulars, while acting as a lookout. Herein the author primarily observed a highway rest area, but also urban parks, tearooms and commercial sex clubs – interviewing 19 regulars. Gives more specific details in the article. Concludes that cruising sites are not constant and uniform.
On lies, secrets, and right‐wing sexual politics: reflections on Laud Humphreys’ “breastplate of righteousness”
Authors: Irvine Janice M.
Published: June 2007

Charts the unfortunate events surrounding the 1974 wedding of a couple who later, on their honeymoon, discovered that they had both had sexual relations with the minister. Billy James Hargis. Contents the revelations forced his resignation as he also admitted 3 further liaisons with male students at the American Christian College. Mentions Laud Humphreys and his work to classify the meeting of men for homosexual acts in the “tearoom”, a place where up to 20 men go for oral sex, without commitment, as some are heterosexual.
A very personal professional experience with the social power of the breastplate of righteousness
Authors: Schacht Steven P.
Published: June 2007

Gives the author’s own variations of his work on a similar vein but quite different in its own way to Laud Humphreys. Revisits Humphrey’s ideas on the “breastplate of righteousness”, finding them insightful in explaining a particular bad experience of being fired from an American University, which was run by Jesuit priests, although he has now forgiven them for what transgressed there.
Humphreys vs. Sagarin in the study of gay social movements
Authors: Murray Stephen O.
Published: June 2007

Looks at social movements, including gay ones, and Laud Humphrey’s work in this field. Mentions the homophile movement and its effect on the plight of homosexuals in America. Highlights the works of Edward Sagarin, as a key opponent of “deviants” or gays, with many works and also statements attributed to him. Outlines, in depth, some of the featured proponents and their published ideas for and against.
A multicultural feminist analysis of Laud Humphreys’ Tearoom Trade: Impersonal Sex in Public Places
Authors: Parks Carlton W.
Published: June 2007

The focus of this article is a comparative analysis of the values inherent in multicultural feminism, and their consistency with the field of sociology of sexualities using Laud Humphreys’ Tearoom Trade: Impersonal Sex in Public Places as an reflection of that growing body of work. The following six feminist values, as discussed in Cammaert and Larsen (1988), will be discussed through the filter of the Tearoom Trade: Impersonal Sex in Public Places: (1) the personal is political; (2) acknowledging that oppression often results in limited life choices for the “out” group; (3) equalization of the power dynamics between the “in” and “out” groups so they can begin to share power with each other; (4) androgyny and masculinity; (5) social action/empowerment; and (6) expanding the existing knowledge base of data associated with the sociology of sexualities.