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To identify the Obama administration’s policy responsiveness to the (African) American LGBT communities.

Theory development and content analysis.

Civic universalism, as a theory, can explain President Obama’s evolution on his support for marriage rights for same-sex couples. Obama employed the concept of e pluribus unum in his many approaches to LGBT responsive politics.

To date, theoretical development within the social sciences of LGBT policy responsiveness is limited.

Very little is written on the subject of LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgendered) politics in the 21st century. The study of the LGBT experience generally has been devoid of political variables because of a lack of attention toward LGBT issues, until recently, in national political party agendas. In this chapter, we review some of the contours of the LGBT community’s fight for political recognition in the United States as a precursor to the election and reelection of President Obama. Drawing parallels with presidential responsiveness toward Blacks in their quest for rights, we examine the Obama administration’s LGBT public policy initiatives as administrative policy and programs. We conclude by identifying new areas of research to explore on LGBT politics.

The requirement for information from treatment services has transformed the relationship between drug treatment worker and client. Key work sessions are increasingly dominated by assessment and screening exercises that deliver little therapeutic benefit but process clients through the system. This has the effect of alienating potential clients with problematic use patterns of substances other than opiates and crack cocaine.

The purpose of this paper is to consider the development and application of marketing theory and practice over time and its current status. The terms “brickbats” and “bouquets” are used as metaphors to extend praise or criticism for marketing. In doing so, the authors draw upon the views of leading theorists over time and apply these in the current environmental context.

The approach adopted is discursive, critical and conceptual.

Following literature review, and drawing upon current examples, marketing as a discipline is subject to both kudos and criticisms. Nonetheless, it is concluded optimistically in that marketing can be an even greater source for societal good. That “goodness” is partly based upon the added impetus of social media adoption and use by consumers, the need for growth and accelerative innovation in the digital age coupled with the democratisation of consumption. Nonetheless, the authors offer the caveat that free competitive markets lead to market failures, and the need for market regulation by governments is becoming more evident.

The implications of the paper are profound. Academics should be concerned in and involved with marketing theory. Questions need to be raised concerning non-robust definitions of marketing and its application. The authors wait for a consumer-led approach to marketing to add depth to the marketing theory.

Marketers need to be made more accountable for their actions. Consumers need to become part of the marketing process. Marketing claims need to be verified by delivered benefits. Companies need to take steps to ensure that the marketing process does not end at purchase. Satisfaction needs to be made manifest. Likewise, dissatisfactions need to be managed well as part of the marketing process.

Too much marketing currently is relatively unregulated in the sense that there are so few opportunities to evade its myriad reach and – despite social media – little chance of changing marketing practice for the good of societies. Many criticisms of marketing practice are not being addressed in the literature.

Marketing is a vibrant force in all nations and markets. It is deeply rooted in business practice. It is contemporaneous and relevant. It is global and national. But, it is not entirely all good news. There are caveats and criticisms as well as kudos and praise. While both are addressed here, the topic needs to be considered for marketing and its accompanying theory and practice to change.

Explores the life of Paul A. Samuelson, of whom it is said, that he is the ‘last generalist in economics’, from his early days in the USA. Gives great detail from his lecture, particularly for his provision of a rich, unknown source of new problems in economic science.

Personal general insurance policies are not subject to statutory regulation. There is instead a system of voluntary self‐regulation and the question arises as to the effectiveness of this regime. This paper explores that issue in relation to payment protection insurance (PPI) and suggests, on the basis of complaints coming before the Insurance Ombudsman Bureau, that the consumer may still be inadequately protected. The paper acknowledges the work of the Association of British Insurers' (ABI) Code Monitoring Committee and the likely effect of the June 1996 statement by the ABI on payment protection insurance but suggests that because of the way PPI is sold it is unlikely that there can ever be full protection for the consumer. This, it is suggested, makes the role of the Ombudsman as an adjudicator in default all the more important. Equally important is the need for the industry and the bureau itself to publicise the service which it offers.

THERE are times when a great accretion of the resources available to man changes the human environment. This country experienced such a change two centuries ago and it lives in history books as the Industrial Revolution. It didn't happen overnight for the various factors, from Kay's flying shuttle to Watt's steam engine, covered something like fifty years. In the end it completely altered the character of the country. Cottage industry was eliminated and factories spread rapidly. There was a vast increase in the population and the expansion of industrial production made all previous progress insignificant.