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Alexandra Allan is a doctoral research student based at Cardiff University, Wales. Her research interests mainly lie within studies of genders and sexualities, children…
Abstract
Alexandra Allan is a doctoral research student based at Cardiff University, Wales. Her research interests mainly lie within studies of genders and sexualities, children and childhood and educational success and achievement. Her doctoral research is a qualitative investigation of how primary school girls manage their gender identities as ‘girls’ with their academic identities as ‘pupils’ in a single sex, selective, private school setting. This research is mainly based in the primary school, but extends to the early years of secondary education where it is concerned to explore the transition process and how identities are managed during this important period. Alexandra also has a strong interest in qualitative research methods and methodology. In particular, she is interested in using photographic methods in her research as a way of encouraging children to participate in research and to (re)present themselves visually.
To consider how knowledge about social class is produced in research and how it can become obscured from view through certain empathic practices of representation.
Abstract
Purpose
To consider how knowledge about social class is produced in research and how it can become obscured from view through certain empathic practices of representation.
Methodology/approach
A number of data extracts, generated through participant observation and focus group interviews, are reflexively (re)considered in the chapter. These are drawn from an ethnographic study, previously undertaken by the author with a class of 25 young women in one private, selective girls’ school in the United Kingdom.
Findings
Social class was found to be silenced in the accounts which resulted from the research. This relative neglect is considered to have resulted from the primacy given to gender in a feminist project; to an over-emphasised sense of empathy and due to the desire to build and maintain respect and rapport. Strategies of empathic identification and representation should not be evaded altogether, but they need to be carefully considered (how and why are they used and to what effect?) and not taken up too readily, so that researchers don’t inadvertently re-inscribe the inequalities they are seeking to eliminate.
Originality/value
The chapter argues that greater attention needs to be paid to the class-making practices which researchers and participants engage in during and after fieldwork. Social class is brought to the foreground in the analyses presented.
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Photographs have been used in ethnography for some time now; Pink (2001, p. 49) has argued that the camera has become a ‘mandatory element’ of the ‘ethnographer's…
Abstract
Photographs have been used in ethnography for some time now; Pink (2001, p. 49) has argued that the camera has become a ‘mandatory element’ of the ‘ethnographer's toolkit’. Photographs were primarily used in ethnographic studies as mere illustrations or to add authenticity to the written text (Davies, 1999). But as time has progressed, the photograph has moved from the ‘sidelines’ of ethnography to claim a more central position. One of the first studies to use the visual as a central method in the ethnographic process was the study ‘Balinese Character’ completed by Bateson and Mead (1942). Davies (1999) reports that their use of the visual was central to the research process; it was as much a part of the collection of data as it was the analysis and the final written report. Pink (2001) suggests that due to these advances in visual research it is now possible to speak of a ‘visual ethnography’.
Carolyn Lester and Alexandra Allan
In response to rising prevalence of sexually transmitted infection (STI) among teenagers, this study was designed to examine teenage perceptions of sex education, access…
Abstract
Purpose
In response to rising prevalence of sexually transmitted infection (STI) among teenagers, this study was designed to examine teenage perceptions of sex education, access to services, and attitudes relevant to STI.
Design/methodology/approach
A focus group study was conducted in three schools to discuss the sexual health needs of teenagers. Four single sex groups of 14‐15 year olds (two male and two female) comprising six to nine participants met for two one‐hour sessions. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed by two researchers.
Findings
Sex education was reported to vary considerably in quality and content both between and within schools. Participants felt that this was due to some teachers being embarrassed, resulting in didactic delivery and lack of discussion. Most participants had received very little information about STI, including how it could be avoided or what to do if infection was suspected. Many felt that it would be useful to have an organised visit to a sexual health/contraceptive clinic as part of the curriculum and that it would also be helpful if clinic staff contributed to their sex education.
Research limitations/implications
Teachers selected participants based on their maturity and willingness to take part, which may have resulted in failure to include those in greatest need of sexual health services.
Practical implications
Teenagers need more comprehensive sex education at an earlier age, delivered by individuals who are expert in the subject and comfortable in its delivery. Information alone is not enough but should be linked to accessible user‐friendly services for contraception and general sexual health.
Originality/value
This paper provides information on teenage sexual health needs in general and to the field of STI in particular.
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What counts as ethnography and what counts as good ethnographic methodology are both highly contested. This volume brings together chapters presenting a diversity of views…
Abstract
What counts as ethnography and what counts as good ethnographic methodology are both highly contested. This volume brings together chapters presenting a diversity of views on some of the current issues and practices in ethnographic methodology. It does not try to present a single coherent view but, through its heterogeneity, illustrates the strength and impact of debate.
The purpose of this paper is to compare trophic characteristics of the ecosystems of small and shallow lakes with a different character of land-cover in their catchments…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to compare trophic characteristics of the ecosystems of small and shallow lakes with a different character of land-cover in their catchments (as exemplified by several previously unstudied lakes of the Leningrad Region, North-Western Russia, that belong to a single lake-river system).
Design/methodology/approach
The key limnetic parameters of four lakes are analysed. Two of the lakes are located on the territory of allotment gardens, the other two are in the forest-covered areas. A preliminary assessment was made for the production-to-destruction ratio in the ecosystems of the lakes of the study region and their vulnerability factors.
Findings
For the lakes with a largely unexploited catchment, humus of terrigenous origin can act as a “hidden” source of nutrient load (primarily as phosphates). For the lakes with a catchment occupied by allotment gardens, an elevated trophic status and intensive overgrowth by vegetation (floating forms) is driven by an increased nitrogen load.
Practical implications
The results can be used for planning land and water management activities in North-Western Russia and in other world’s regions with similar environmental conditions.
Originality/value
These results can lay a foundation for creating a region-specific model to predict trends in eutrophication and overgrowth of small shallow lakes.
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Heather Jane Lawrence, Norm O'Reilly, Alexandra Speck, Chris Ullrich and Kayla Robles
The objective of this paper is to respond to four research questions. The first two as how likely are college football season ticket holders to recommend (1) purchasing a…
Abstract
Purpose
The objective of this paper is to respond to four research questions. The first two as how likely are college football season ticket holders to recommend (1) purchasing a similar season ticket package and (2) attending a home football game, to a friend or colleague. The third question examines if there is a difference between advocacy toward purchasing season tickets as compared to advocacy toward game attendance. Finally, we identify what factors impact advocacy for college football season ticket holders.
Design/methodology/approach
An online survey of 57,240 season ticket holders from 69 different National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) Division I Football Bowl Subdivision programs was undertaken. The data were analyzed to build a model of the drivers of advocacy in season ticket holders from a conceptual base of advocacy, trust and loyalty.
Findings
The identified drivers include both institutionally influenced factors and factors related to season ticket holder behaviors/demographics. The season ticket holder is arguably the highest level of fan for any sports organization from an affinity perspective and clearly the most important from a business perspective. This research argues that the season ticket holder should not only be the focus of ticket sales efforts but also leveraged as marketing advocates with the objective of attracting additional fans.
Originality/value
The value of this research is the large sample of data from season ticket holders of NCAA Division 1 football clubs and the resulting learning it provides to researchers and practitioners.
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Rob Hill, Megan Underhill, Katherine Atnas and Jenny Harris
In this paper, we explore the role that psychology can play in enhancing dual diagnosis provision in substance misuse wards. In order to understand what can be achieved…
Abstract
In this paper, we explore the role that psychology can play in enhancing dual diagnosis provision in substance misuse wards. In order to understand what can be achieved, we will review: the nature of the client group presenting to substance misuse wards; the role and function of such wards; the role of clinical psychology within these wards; and specific issues relating to inpatient substance misuse treatment. We conclude by identifying some key elements that we believe can enhance effective dual diagnosis working within inpatient substance misuse services.
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