The Dictionary of National Biography (or DNB as it is commonly called and as it will be referred to in this paper) is a classic. Depending on whether a library owns an original…
Abstract
The Dictionary of National Biography (or DNB as it is commonly called and as it will be referred to in this paper) is a classic. Depending on whether a library owns an original edition published by Smith, Elder and Company or a reprint edition published by Oxford University Press, sixty‐three brown volumes or twenty‐two blue volumes and supplements loom bulkily from the shelves. It would be an odd, ill‐trained reference librarian, historian, or scholar of English literature who has never heard of the DNB, let alone used and perused it. But mere bulk does not explain the lasting fame and staying power of this reference work, whose first volume appeared in January 1885 over a century ago.
The cardinal point to note here is that the development (and unfortunately the likely potential) of area policy is intimately related to the actual character of British social…
Abstract
The cardinal point to note here is that the development (and unfortunately the likely potential) of area policy is intimately related to the actual character of British social policy. Whilst area policy has been strongly influenced by Pigou's welfare economics, by the rise of scientific management in the delivery of social services (cf Jaques 1976; Whittington and Bellamy 1979), by the accompanying development of operational analyses and by the creation of social economics (see Pigou 1938; Sandford 1977), social policy continues to be enmeshed with the flavours of Benthamite utilitatianism and Social Darwinism (see, above all, the Beveridge Report 1942; Booth 1889; Rowntree 1922, 1946; Webb 1926). Consequently, for their entire history area policies have been coloured by the principles of a national minimum for the many and giving poorer areas a hand up, rather than a hand out. The preceived need to save money (C.S.E. State Apparatus and Expenditure Group 1979; Klein 1974) and the (supposed) ennobling effects of self help have been the twin marching orders for area policy for decades. Private industry is inadvertently called upon to plug the resulting gaps in public provision. The conjunction of a reluctant state and a meandering private sector has fashioned the decaying urban areas of today. Whilst a large degree of party politics and commitment has characterised the general debate over the removal of poverty (Holman 1973; MacGregor 1981), this has for the most part bypassed the ‘marginal’ poorer areas (cf Green forthcoming). Their inhabitants are not usually numerically significant enough to sway general, party policies (cf Boulding 1967) and the problems of most notably the inner cities has been underplayed.
Moosung Lee, Jenny Dean and Yeonjeong Kim
Using data from the Children of Immigrants Longitudinal Study, this study examines the structural relationships between negative school social relationships, school safety…
Abstract
Using data from the Children of Immigrants Longitudinal Study, this study examines the structural relationships between negative school social relationships, school safety, educational expectation, and academic achievement of Latino immigrant students. Results from multilevel structural equation modeling show that discrimination, unhelpful school social relationships, and experiences of unsafe school environments influence Latino immigrant adolescents’ academic achievement indirectly and directly through their educational expectations. Specifically, this study explores how noncognitive and contextual factors embedded in different structural layers of school organization influence Latino immigrant adolescents’ academic achievement. It draws attention to the impact of negative school factors such as discriminatory and unsupportive school social relationships, and negative and unsafe school structures that undermine school life. Based on our findings, we argue that as Latino immigrant students internalize negative experiences from their school experiences during the critical period of adolescence, such accumulated negative internalization may reinforce negative self-perceptions and inaccurate stereotypes. Not only discrimination but also other negative school features such as the absence of academic supporters, nonacademically oriented friends, and unsafe learning environments inhibit them from navigating positive school opportunities and ultimately, successful school achievement. Implications for the social organization of U.S. public secondary schools with a focus on Latino immigrant adolescents’ academic achievement are discussed.
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Dina Cherise Smith-Glaviana and Delaney Shields
This study aims to explore the dress practices of American (US) consumers who wear Halloween fashion products to extend theories related to dress and appearance.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore the dress practices of American (US) consumers who wear Halloween fashion products to extend theories related to dress and appearance.
Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative, exploratory study using an online survey with open-ended and close-ended questions. Data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis.
Findings
Sixty-two survey responses were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. The results provided insight into social norms for wearing holiday fashion products and that consumer perceptions of the ideal timing for wearing Halloween fashion products may vary based on individuals’ enthusiasm for Halloween. Rather than the social and physical setting, timing restricted or increased the level at which wearers could express their enthusiasm for Halloween. Earlier in the year, respondents felt their freedom of expression was restricted, driving them to wear subtle Halloween fashion products. As Halloween day approached, respondents experienced more freedom in expressing their enthusiasm for the holiday by wearing clothing and accessories more explicitly related to Halloween.
Research limitations/implications
This study extends theory relating to dress and appearance as it acknowledges timing as an element of social context in which identities are established through appearance.
Practical implications
Retailers may consider selling Halloween fashion items that are small and/or less Halloween-specific, “spooky”, gothic earlier in the year.
Originality/value
This study is original in that it explores the timing in which consumers use holiday fashion products. Except for investigating consumer perceptions regarding the timing of retail promotions, researchers have seldom investigated timing as a consideration in constructing an individuals’ identity and appearance.
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Anita Zatori and Meghan Beardsley
The tourist experience has matured in its body of literature, but researchers still debate the best way to measure and define the concept. The purpose of this paper is to analyze…
Abstract
The tourist experience has matured in its body of literature, but researchers still debate the best way to measure and define the concept. The purpose of this paper is to analyze and compare memorable and on-site tourist experiences from theoretical, empirical, and methodological perspectives. A review of the literature is used to identify and describe the next evolutionary research step which is the quality-of-life (QOL) aspect of tourism experiences. It is argued that the evolving focus on QOL attributes is fueled by the theories and concepts of service-dominant logic. The paper argues that value (co)created on all sides of the equation (e.g., customer or company) must be considered when carrying out research. The paper also finds that different value outcomes for the individual customer occur in both on-site and memorable experience contexts. The findings contest an earlier theoretical argument, suggesting that memorable tourist experiences provide more value than on-site tourist experience.
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Anshul Agrawal and Sanjeev Kadam
Purpose: The study aims to explore the profound impact of virtual currencies and decentralised finance (DeFi) protocols on financial dynamics, user engagement, and operational…
Abstract
Purpose: The study aims to explore the profound impact of virtual currencies and decentralised finance (DeFi) protocols on financial dynamics, user engagement, and operational aspects within the Metaverse.
Methodology: This research employs mathematical modelling and quantitative analysis to comprehensively investigate the pivotal roles of these elements within the dynamic virtual environment.
Findings: The mathematical equations applied in our study have illuminated the intricate mechanics of financial expansion, operational efficiencies, and user dynamics in the Metaverse’s virtual currency and DeFi systems. These insights underline the transformative influence of these digital ecosystems on future economies, emphasising the critical role of quantitative analysis in navigating and maximising their potential.
Significance: This research aims to shed light on the pivotal roles of virtual currencies and DeFi protocols through mathematical modelling and quantitative analysis. It contributes to a deeper understanding of their significance in shaping the future of virtual economies and financial interactions within the ever-evolving Metaverse.
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Jason H. Wu, Wayne K. Hoy and C. John Tarter
The purpose of this research is twofold: to test a theory of academic optimism in Taiwan elementary schools and to expand the theory by adding new variables, collective…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this research is twofold: to test a theory of academic optimism in Taiwan elementary schools and to expand the theory by adding new variables, collective responsibility and enabling school structure, to the model.
Design/methodology/approach
Structural equation modeling was used to test, refine, and expand an organizational path model of student achievement first developed in the USA.
Findings
The proposed organizational model was supported in Taiwan and was consistent with the initial studies done in the USA. Further, two concepts were added to the model, enabling structure and collective responsibility, both of which had significant indirect effects on student achievement through academic optimism. Moreover, the theoretical foundations (efficacy, trust, and academic emphasis) of the latent construct of academic optimism were confirmed again in this sample of schools in Taiwan.
Originality/value
The findings support an organizational model of student achievement, which has application in both the USA and Taiwan. The original model was supported, refined, and extended. Academic optimism is at the center of the model and explains student achievement for all students. Collective responsibility and enabling school structure both predict academic optimism directly and student achievement indirectly.
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E. Christine Baker-Smith and Jessica Lipschultz
Concern about the use of zero-tolerance policies for discipline has led to a search for alternatives such as training in early-warning signs of aggressive behavior and strategies…
Abstract
Purpose
Concern about the use of zero-tolerance policies for discipline has led to a search for alternatives such as training in early-warning signs of aggressive behavior and strategies for effective classroom management in schools. This chapter examines the effectiveness of the provision of alternatives to out-of-school suspensions (OSS) in reducing the use of exclusionary discipline for minor misbehavior and the school characteristics associated with these provisions.
Design/methodology/approach
This analysis uses the 2008 panel from the National School Survey on Crime and Safety to explore this question for approximately 1,000 high schools. The analysis is a probit regression analysis to examine the association between the provision of alternatives to OSS, school characteristics, and the use of OSS for low-level suspensions. This analytic approach provides wide generalizability for the findings, though it does also limit an ability to identify individual school- or student-level effects.
Findings
Findings based on probit regression analysis suggest that structural characteristics of schools – beyond student characteristics – are only somewhat related to variation in the use of OSS for low-level infractions and, on average, the availability of alternatives to OSS do not strongly decrease the frequency of OSS for lower-level infractions. These findings are important in the current era of discipline policy scrutiny where schools and policy-makers are searching for alternatives to traditional suspension practices in a limited empirical evidence base.
Originality/value
While these alternatives hold great promise, little is known about their effectiveness in addressing behavior problems and/or reducing OSS. More importantly, even less is known about the characteristics of schools likely to enact alternatives.
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Shauna Lee Smith and E. Kevin Kelloway
The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the effectiveness of a short, online training program focused on respect in the workplace.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the effectiveness of a short, online training program focused on respect in the workplace.
Design/methodology/approach
Using a wait-list control design the authors collected measures of workplace behaviors prior to, immediately following and six weeks following the training from a sample of long-term care employees.
Findings
The training was associated with a small increase in reported civility. Post hoc subsample analyses suggested that the training was particularly effective in increasing civility and efficacy perceptions among those respondents who had themselves reported engaging in incivility.
Practical implications
The data offer support for the effectiveness of the training but suggest that more intensive interventions may be necessary. Results also suggest that the effects of training may vary across subgroups of employees.
Originality/value
Training is one of the most frequently advocated solutions to incivility in the workplace. The findings offer support for a short, online training program.