Strange and stranger ruralities: Social constructions of rural crime in Australia

Rural crime has largely been understood through social disorganization theory. The dominance of this perspective has meant that most research into rural crime has tried to resolve perceived strains in communities, rather than analyze how social problems are constituted in rural places. Using Elias and Scotson's (1994) account of established-outsider relations, the paper examines how the organizational capacity of specific social groups is significant in determining the quality of crime-talk and responses to crime in isolated and rural settings. In particular social 'oldness' and notions of what constitutes 'community' are significant in determining what activities and individuals or groups are marked as features of crime-talk in these settings.

Acting White Among Black College Students: A Phenomenological Study of Social Constructions of Race

This study was a qualitative examination of Black college students' experiences with the Acting White label. In conducting this study, two gaps in literature were addressed: (1) the lack of literature on Black college students and the acting white label, and (2) lack of attention to a US racial history and current structures which allow a label such as "acting white" to exist. Thus, the purpose of this study was to call attention to the experiences of Black college students as it relates to the acting white label. Additionally, the study calls attention to social constructions that allow the acting white label to exist and to be sustained. Data was collected from 14 Black college students at a predominantly white, private, liberal arts university in the west. Based on responses from students in the study, Black college students do hear that they are acting white. Yet, their reaction to hearing the label does not cause them to underachieve academically, but does have an impact on their social actions. The ways in which Black college students in the study were labeled as acting white was based on academic pursuits, speech patterns, dress, and hobbies. Student reactions to the label ranged from ignoring the label to challenging the accuser. In regards to how the acting white label is sustained, students in the study expressed that they learned what it meant to act white or black from family interactions, social interactions and observations from family and friends, and from media sources. It was concluded that Black college students, despite reactions, do hear the label and that the label seems to be used as a means to attack Black students and their identity.

The Meanings of New Money: Social Constructions of Value in the Rise of Digital Currencies

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Washington, 2016-07

The role of physical activity in the lives of people with lymphoedema following cancer treatment : a social constructionist study

Lymphoedema is a chronic condition predominantly affecting the limbs, although it can involve the trunk and other areas of the body. It is characterised by swelling due to excess accumulation of fluid in body tissues. Secondary lymphoedema, which arises following cancer treatment, is the more common form of lymphoedema in developed countries. At least 20% of those diagnosed with the most common cancers will develop lymphoedema. This is a concern in Australia as incidence of these cancers is increasing. Cancer survival rates are also increasing. Currently, this equates to 9 300 new cases of secondary lymphoedema diagnosed each year. Considerable physical and psychosocial impacts of lymphoedema have been reported and its subsequent impact on health-related quality of life can exacerbate other side effects of cancer treatment. Exercise following cancer treatment has been shown to significantly reduce the impact of treatment side effects, improve quality of life and physical status. While participating in exercise does not increase risk nor exacerbate existing lymphoedema, reductions in incidence of lymphoedema exacerbations and associated symptoms have been observed in women participating in regular weight lifting following breast cancer treatment. Despite these benefits, lymphoedema prevention and management advice cautions people with lymphoedema against „repetitive use. or „overuse. of their affected arm. It is possible that this advice creates a barrier to participation in physical activity; however, little is known about the relationship between physical activity and lymphoedema. In addition, the majority of studies examining the experiences of people living with lymphoedema and the impact of the condition have been predominantly conducted internationally and have focused on women following breast cancer. This study sought to explore firstly, how men and women construct their experience of living with lymphoedema following treatment for a range of cancers in the context of everyday life in Australia; and secondly, to analyse the role of physical activity in the lives of those living with lymphoedema following cancer treatment. A social constructivist grounded theory approach was taken to explore these objectives as it is acknowledged that human actions and the meanings associated with these actions are influenced by the interaction between the self and the social world. It is also acknowledged that the research process itself is a social construction between the researcher and participant. Purposive sampling techniques were used to recruit a total of 29 participants from a variety of sources. Telephone interviews and focus groups were conducted to collect data. Data were concurrently collected and analysed and analysis was conducted using the constant comparative method. The core category that developed in objective one was „sense of self‟. The self was defined by perceptions participants held of themselves and their identity prior to a lymphoedema diagnosis and changes to their perceptions and identity since diagnosis. Three conceptual categories which related to each other and to „sense of self‟ were developed through the process of coding that represented the process of how participants constructed their experiences living with secondary lymphoedema in the context of everyday life. Firstly, altered normalcy reflected the physical and psychosocial changes experienced and the effect it had on their lives. Secondly, „accidental journey‟ reflected participants‟ journey with the heath care system prior to diagnosis through to longer term management. Thirdly, renegotiating control revealed participants perceived control over lymphoedema and their ability to participate in daily activities previously enjoyed. These findings revealed the failure of the broader health system to recognise the significant and chronic nature of a lymphoedema diagnosis following cancer treatment with greater understanding, knowledge and support from health professionals being needed. The findings also reveal access to health professionals trained in lymphoedema management, a comprehensive approach encompassing both physical and psychosocial needs and provision of practical and meaningful guidelines supported by scientific evidence would contribute to improved treatment and management of the condition. The key findings for objective two were that people with lymphoedema define physical activity in different ways. Physical activity post-diagnosis was perceived as important by most for a variety of reasons ranging from everyday functioning, to physical and psychosocial health benefits. Issues relating to the impact of lymphoedema on physical activity related to the impact on peoples‟ ability to be physically active, confusion about acceptable forms of physical activity and barriers that lymphoedema presented to being physically active. A relationship between how people construct their experiences with lymphoedema and the role of physical activity was also established. The contribution of physical activity to the lives of people living with lymphoedema following cancer treatment appeared to be influenced by their sense of self as socially constructed through their experiences prior to diagnosis and following diagnosis with lymphoedema. The influence of pre-lymphoedema habits, norms and beliefs suggests the importance of effective health promotion messages to encourage physical activity among the general population and specific messages and guidelines particular to the needs of those diagnosed with lymphoedema following cancer treatment. The influence of participant.s social constructions on the lymphoedema experience highlights the importance of improving interactions between the overall health care system and patients, providing a clear treatment plan, providing evidence-based and clear advice about participation in appropriate physical activity, which in doing so will limit the physical and psychosocial effect of lymphoedema and providing comprehensive physical and psychosocial support to those living with the condition and their families. This study has contributed to a deep understanding of people.s experiences with lymphoedema following cancer treatment and the role of physical activity in the context of daily life in Australia. Findings from this study lead to recommendations for advocacy, a comprehensive approach to diagnosis, treatment and management, and specific areas for future research.

The social construction of prostitution in Californian 'John' Schools

The existence of prostitution in society continues to be a highly contested issue in both political and social arenas. With traditional criminal justice methods to address prostitution focussing predominantly on sex workers, newly formed initiatives have been created to target the demand side of prostitution. ‘John Schools’ – diversionary programs for clients, or ‘johns’ who have been arrested for prostitution offences – aim to educate participants on the various harms and risks associated with such behaviour and claim to provide an innovative means to reduce prostitution by decreasing demand for sexual services. It is evident however, that these programs perpetuate traditional social constructions of prostitution, characterising the act, and the actors, as sexually deviant. This paper examines the curriculum of these programs in order to identify how prostitution is constructed, firstly through the depiction of the victims in the program, and secondly through the characterisation of prostitution offenders. This paper argues that such initiatives merely extend the charge of sexual deviance from the sellers of sex to the buyers, and fail to acknowledge autonomy and choice for sex workers and clients.

Californian 'John Schools' and the social construction of prostitution

Within political and social arenas, prostitution continues to be a highly contested and debated issue. Generally conceptualised as a ‘problem’ in need of eradication, prostitution is strongly linked to immorality and deviance. The methods of addressing this phenomenon have experienced a shift from focusing predominantly on the sex worker, to directly targeting the clients of commercial sex. Such practices have resulted in the creation of policy initiatives such as ‘John Schools’—diversionary programs for clients, or ‘Johns’ who have been arrested for prostitution offences. The programs aim to educate participants on the various harms and risks associated with such behaviour and claim to offer a means to reduce prostitution by targeting the demand for sexual services. It is evident however, that these programs perpetuate traditional social constructions of prostitution, characterising the act, and the actors, as sexually deviant. This paper examines the curriculum of these programs in order to identify how prostitution is constructed—firstly through the depiction of the victims in the program and secondly through the characterisation of prostitution offenders—and argues that such initiatives merely extend the charge of sexual deviance from the sellers of sex to the buyers,whilst failing to acknowledge autonomy and choice for sex workers and clients.

Constructions of children's needs in informal kinship care in rural China

Kinship care is the oldest form of alternative child care in the world. Recent years have witnessed a significant increase in the number of children being placed in kinship care across Western countries. However, in contrast to rapid knowledge advances about formal kinship care, far less is known about the needs of children in informal kinship care, especially in Asian contexts. This thesis and the study upon which it is formed sought to redress this knowledge gap. Qualitative approach was adopted to explore social constructions of children in informal kinship care in rural China. Parents in China seeking work in cities have left behind around 58 million rural children, mostly with relatives and without the involvement of the state. The present study examined caregivers’ and school personnel’s understandings of these school-age children’s needs through semi-structured interviews with 23 kin caregivers and five school personnel in Shijiapu Town, Jilin Province, China. The central question that guided the whole study is: What are the needs of children in informal kinship care in rural Jilin Province, China? Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis was used to categorise and interpret the qualitative data. Based on participants’ constructions, this study developed a need model with eight themes. They are: (1) emotional needs and mental health, (2) relationships, (3) empowerment and agency, (4) safety, (5) education, (6) basic care, (7) physical health, and (8) personal development. These needs are grounded in the Chinese context, and therefore a good understanding of Chinese culture is essential to address them. The first four needs particularly capture children’s separations from their parents, and the rest are more general, and can be applied to most Chinese children. To meet the most important need for children left behind, namely education, these caregivers determined that others needs sometimes have to be compromised. Children left behind are a vulnerable group in contemporary rural China, and their diverse needs are attended to by several groups. This study found that as children’s closest kin while their parents are away, caregivers play a vital role in salving the children’s emotional loss. Caregivers’ love and familial obligations strongly motivate them to care for these children, and sensitivity to social stigma makes them strive to show their love and care to compensate for perceived differences between these children and their peers. Caregivers’ efforts to make children happy, however, were sometimes criticised by some school personnel, who see this as spoiling. The conflicting viewpoint between caregivers and school personnel indicate their different roles and perceptions in children’s lives, and the latter influence these children in a more authoritative way. Informal kinship care has several advantages of addressing children’s needs, especially their needs for emotional bonds with family. Community-based kin networks provide children with both emotional and material support. However, these advantages sometimes are restricted by caregivers’ child rearing capacity. Having developed a model of the needs of children left behind in China, this study suggests that caregivers, school personnel and government social services work in harmony to be child-centred and meet these children’s diverse needs. The unmet needs of children left behind mainly result from unbalanced development between urban and rural China, therefore, it is imperative to enhance state policies and programs that improve wellbeing for this growing part of China’s people.

Regulación social del mercado de trabajo en contextos productivos flexibles : Una mirada desde la contribución de los trabajadores en la producción de cine publicitario argentino

En esta tesina presentamos los resultados de un proceso de investigación orientado a describir y analizar las influencias que tienen los mecanismos desarrollados por los trabajadores sobre la estructuración de algunas dimensiones claves del mercado de trabajo en el sector de producción de cine publicitario (PcP). La PCP se caracteriza por una modalidad de organización muy flexible y efímera, basada en proyectos individuales, que congrega a los trabajadores y recursos necesarios de forma temporaria. La transitoriedad de los proyectos plantea desafíos formidables con respeto a su coordinación y regulación en el tiempo. Sin embargo, los mismos funcionan sobre una organización permanente sustentada sobre una red de contactos sociales gestados entre los miembros. En este marco, surge nuestro interrogante acerca del papel que juegan las lógicas de los propios trabajadores en el incierto mercado de trabajo de la PCP. La perspectiva teórica adoptada en nuestro trabajo, parte de la consideración de que los mercados de trabajo son producto de construcciones sociales que se diferencian histórica y espacialmente y que por tanto, se hallan socialmente regulados por una diversidad de influencias. Por ello, hemos priorizado la investigación empírica del caso particular. Nuestro objetivo principal, ha supuesto la indagación de distintas dimensiones analíticas. Así, en primer lugar, presentamos las características socioproductivas y económicas más relevantes del sector para luego centrarnos en las cuestiones nodales de nuestro estudio que contemplaron un análisis detallado de los procesos de regulación de algunas dimensiones del mercado de trabajo, a saber: acceso, reclutamiento, calificación y movilidad. Así, esta tesina pretende ser un aporte al análisis de la dinámica de los mercados de trabajo en contextos productivos flexibles, así como una contribución al conocimiento de sectores escasamente abordados por los estudios del trabajo

Regulación social del mercado de trabajo en contextos productivos flexibles : Una mirada desde la contribución de los trabajadores en la producción de cine publicitario argentino

En esta tesina presentamos los resultados de un proceso de investigación orientado a describir y analizar las influencias que tienen los mecanismos desarrollados por los trabajadores sobre la estructuración de algunas dimensiones claves del mercado de trabajo en el sector de producción de cine publicitario (PcP). La PCP se caracteriza por una modalidad de organización muy flexible y efímera, basada en proyectos individuales, que congrega a los trabajadores y recursos necesarios de forma temporaria. La transitoriedad de los proyectos plantea desafíos formidables con respeto a su coordinación y regulación en el tiempo. Sin embargo, los mismos funcionan sobre una organización permanente sustentada sobre una red de contactos sociales gestados entre los miembros. En este marco, surge nuestro interrogante acerca del papel que juegan las lógicas de los propios trabajadores en el incierto mercado de trabajo de la PCP. La perspectiva teórica adoptada en nuestro trabajo, parte de la consideración de que los mercados de trabajo son producto de construcciones sociales que se diferencian histórica y espacialmente y que por tanto, se hallan socialmente regulados por una diversidad de influencias. Por ello, hemos priorizado la investigación empírica del caso particular. Nuestro objetivo principal, ha supuesto la indagación de distintas dimensiones analíticas. Así, en primer lugar, presentamos las características socioproductivas y económicas más relevantes del sector para luego centrarnos en las cuestiones nodales de nuestro estudio que contemplaron un análisis detallado de los procesos de regulación de algunas dimensiones del mercado de trabajo, a saber: acceso, reclutamiento, calificación y movilidad. Así, esta tesina pretende ser un aporte al análisis de la dinámica de los mercados de trabajo en contextos productivos flexibles, así como una contribución al conocimiento de sectores escasamente abordados por los estudios del trabajo

Regulación social del mercado de trabajo en contextos productivos flexibles : Una mirada desde la contribución de los trabajadores en la producción de cine publicitario argentino

En esta tesina presentamos los resultados de un proceso de investigación orientado a describir y analizar las influencias que tienen los mecanismos desarrollados por los trabajadores sobre la estructuración de algunas dimensiones claves del mercado de trabajo en el sector de producción de cine publicitario (PcP). La PCP se caracteriza por una modalidad de organización muy flexible y efímera, basada en proyectos individuales, que congrega a los trabajadores y recursos necesarios de forma temporaria. La transitoriedad de los proyectos plantea desafíos formidables con respeto a su coordinación y regulación en el tiempo. Sin embargo, los mismos funcionan sobre una organización permanente sustentada sobre una red de contactos sociales gestados entre los miembros. En este marco, surge nuestro interrogante acerca del papel que juegan las lógicas de los propios trabajadores en el incierto mercado de trabajo de la PCP. La perspectiva teórica adoptada en nuestro trabajo, parte de la consideración de que los mercados de trabajo son producto de construcciones sociales que se diferencian histórica y espacialmente y que por tanto, se hallan socialmente regulados por una diversidad de influencias. Por ello, hemos priorizado la investigación empírica del caso particular. Nuestro objetivo principal, ha supuesto la indagación de distintas dimensiones analíticas. Así, en primer lugar, presentamos las características socioproductivas y económicas más relevantes del sector para luego centrarnos en las cuestiones nodales de nuestro estudio que contemplaron un análisis detallado de los procesos de regulación de algunas dimensiones del mercado de trabajo, a saber: acceso, reclutamiento, calificación y movilidad. Así, esta tesina pretende ser un aporte al análisis de la dinámica de los mercados de trabajo en contextos productivos flexibles, así como una contribución al conocimiento de sectores escasamente abordados por los estudios del trabajo

State Social Safety Net Programs and the Great Recession: The First Line of Defense and the Last Resort for the Economically Disadvantaged

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Washington, 2016-06

Exploring social representations of adapting to climate change using topic modeling and Bayesian networks

When something unfamiliar emerges or when something familiar does something unexpected people need to make sense of what is emerging or going on in order to act. Social representations theory suggests how individuals and society make sense of the unfamiliar and hence how the resultant social representations (SRs) cognitively, emotionally, and actively orient people and enable communication. SRs are social constructions that emerge through individual and collective engagement with media and with everyday conversations among people. Recent developments in text analysis techniques, and in particular topic modeling, provide a potentially powerful analytical method to examine the structure and content of SRs using large samples of narrative or text. In this paper I describe the methods and results of applying topic modeling to 660 micronarratives collected from Australian academics / researchers, government employees, and members of the public in 2010-2011. The narrative fragments focused on adaptation to climate change (CC) and hence provide an example of Australian society making sense of an emerging and conflict ridden phenomena. The results of the topic modeling reflect elements of SRs of adaptation to CC that are consistent with findings in the literature as well as being reasonably robust predictors of classes of action in response to CC. Bayesian Network (BN) modeling was used to identify relationships among the topics (SR elements) and in particular to identify relationships among topics, sentiment, and action. Finally the resulting model and topic modeling results are used to highlight differences in the salience of SR elements among social groups. The approach of linking topic modeling and BN modeling offers a new and encouraging approach to analysis for ongoing research on SRs.

Alueellinen imago ja identiteetti liikkeessä

Regions are considered to be in competition for investments, industries, inhabitants and skilled labour nationally as well as internationally. In the context of tightening competition, more and more attention has been paid to regional attractors. A positive image is an important attractor in regional competition. In Finland, many towns and regions have either implemented or are planning to implement various image-enhancing campaigns or other measures aimed at improving their image. The role of identity is very important in developing a regional image. Good regional image should be based on a strong regional identity and awareness. Related to this is the perception of one's own region as separate from others and the familiarity of the region. If a region has no place in the awareness of its residents or if the inhabitants do not identify with it, its very existence as a social construct can be questioned. This means that building the regional image, which in this context is seen as social constructivism, is extremely difficult if the degree of regional awareness and identification is low. On the other hand, regional identity is being built also by developing the regional image. In a way, regional discourses have become more marketing-oriented in that instead of trying to create a regional esprit de corps there is now more image-oriented speech aimed at striving to improve the attractivity to outsiders of the region. Even though the goal is to bring the region to the attention of non-residents, a measure of construction of regional identity for the local population is automatically effected at the same time. Regional image and identity are consequences of linguistic producing and understanding of a region. It means that both image and identity are seen as language-created social constructions. The regional image is created through various discourses, but also the construction of a regional identity as regional consciousness and identification is largely a linguistic process. Essential in this context is perceiving the region as a discursive project characterized by its representation as texts, images and symbols. The linguistic production of a region is not a neutral description of "reality", but a representation based on interpretations, experiences and different motivations. Production and perceiving vary in time, so regional image and identity are on the move. This research is driven by the ongoing change of the regional system. The municipal and service structure reform is in progress and the number of municipalities seems to be on the decrease. At the same time, European Union s regional policy and regionalism on the whole are changing the status of sub-regions. At municipal level the crucial question is how the municipal structure reform will affect regional identity. This study points out that strong sense of municipal identity is a source of opposition to changes in municipal structure, but on the other hand the deinstitutionalization of the old municipality in municipal merger does not in itself mean the weakening of municipal identity.

As turbinadas e os pigmaleões: implantes mamários de silicone e a beleza construída

Esta dissertação trata da construção dos valores acerca do corpo que transforma aspectos estéticos em problemas de saúde física. Com base na pressuposição do compromisso de aliviar o sofrimento o cirurgião plástico busca, dentro do campo da saúde, justificativas para sua atuação. Por outro lado, na aspiração por modelos de beleza socialmente prestigiados há também a procura pela transformação pessoal com a construção e afirmação de papéis sociais, o que contribui para a maior aceitação das intervenções cirúrgicas com finalidade estética. Seguindo tendências estéticas sempre em mutação, observa-se, na atualidade, uma grande demanda por cirurgia plástica para colocação de implantes de silicone com objetivo de aumento mamário. Tomando como recorte a utilização de tais implantes, buscou-se analisar a construção médica e social da beleza e compreender como a procura e a prática da cirurgia plástica estão ligadas a valores controversamente aceitos ou criticados na sociedade contemporânea.

O mau humor na TPM: uma interpretação do feminino

Em O mau humor da TPM: uma interpretação do feminino propomos mostrar como são construídas algumas representações do feminino a partir da sua relação com a menstruação e discutir alguns significados culturais acerca dos transtornos de humor derivado de uma síndrome comumente conhecida como a tensão pré-menstrual. A partir de um recorte teórico do corpo e do olhar médico sobre este enquanto objetos das ciências sociais, isto é, como construções sociais, e tendo como orientação os estudos feministas, analisamos dois tipos de discursos circulantes acerca da menstruação, localizados nas camadas médias cariocas, no início do século XXI, que dizem representar ou dialogar com este corpo hormonal. Estes seguem duas direções diferentes: o primeiro discurso analisado é um livro de um médico, no formato de literatura de auto-ajuda, voltado para a discussão da inteligência hormonal; que pretende ser um modelo de subjetivação do feminino, baseado no olhar médico-científico. Este propõe um controle sobre o corpo, organizando o feminino a partir de idéias essencializadas as quais universalizam os corpos e tratam das descrições desse feminino como pré-determinadas por condições localizadas no corpo Natural. O segundo é um conjunto de entrevistas realizadas com bancárias, que registram o feminino subjetivado. Estes discursos sobre a vivência do feminino, apesar de também articularem descrições corporais enraizadas na biologia e nas ciências médicas, revelam ainda outros significados culturais representativos, destacando assim a importância dos estudos que privilegiam o agenciamento do sujeito na construção social de gênero, no caso desses femininos.