Search results
1 – 10 of 490Theoretical reconstruction for the sake of practical political relevance is inherently resistant to the theorisation of a rigorous sociological discipline. Yet, the need for such…
Abstract
Purpose
Theoretical reconstruction for the sake of practical political relevance is inherently resistant to the theorisation of a rigorous sociological discipline. Yet, the need for such theoretical reconstruction recurs in history, particularly in times of social and economic crisis when social reconstruction of damaged, fractured and conflict-ridden societies was seen as urgent by both applied sociologists and publics at large.
Methodology/approach
This paper directs itself to questions regarding the intellectual and political origins of the Swedish, egalitarian, democratic welfare state ideology in the 1930s, and how it came to be theoretically defined in opposition to the overarching binary frameworks of ‘conservative’ capitalism and ‘progressive’ Marxist socialism.
Findings
Using McLennan’s notion of a ‘vehicular’ concept, I will attempt to show that the ‘third’ or ‘middle way’ compromise between opposing interests has, since its inception in the earlier parts of the twentieth century, changed over time, and will continue to change, within shifting political contexts and changing practical, political demands to ‘move things on’.
Practical implications
This paper also examines the concept of social planning – social engineering – as a ‘third way’ practical strategy and how it came to be used as a political and theoretical stick by which attack ‘third way’ democracy by both neo-liberal and Marxist theorists.
Originality/value
The paper builds on the author’s previous research on the intellectual and political visions of the Swedish social scientists and reformers, Alva and Gunnar Myrdal, and argues for the continuing importance of theoretical reconstruction and innovation in the preservation of justice and democracy.
Details
Keywords
The paper offers a number of vignettes surrounding Friedrich A. Hayek’s receipt of the Nobel Prize. It examines Hayek’s life before he got the prize, describes the events in…
Abstract
The paper offers a number of vignettes surrounding Friedrich A. Hayek’s receipt of the Nobel Prize. It examines Hayek’s life before he got the prize, describes the events in Stockholm, and offers a summary of the main themes of his Prize Lecture. It then examines the subsequent impact on Hayek’s life and career. It concludes by looking at the impact of the Prize on scholarship about Hayek and the Austrian movement.
Details
Keywords
The purpose of this paper is to describe the emergence of school-based, secular, mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) for educators and students that aim to cultivate…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to describe the emergence of school-based, secular, mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) for educators and students that aim to cultivate mindfulness and its putative benefits for teaching, learning, and well-being.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper has four sections: (a) a description of indicators of increased interest in mindfulness generally and in education; (b) substantive and functional definitions of mindfulness; (c) rationales for the potential value of mindfulness for teaching, learning, and well-being; and (d) a review of extant research on MBIs for teachers and students in schools.
Findings
On the basis of this review, it is concluded that school-based MBIs represent a promising emerging approach to enhancing teaching, learning, and well-being in schools; but that more research, with more rigorous study designs and measures, need to be done to establish the scientific validity of the effects of school-based MBIs for teachers and students alike.
Details
Keywords
Gunnar Bolmsjö and Magnus Olsson
Aims to present general concepts and framework for increasing the flexibility in robotic arc welding with respect to use of sensors and small series production.
Abstract
Purpose
Aims to present general concepts and framework for increasing the flexibility in robotic arc welding with respect to use of sensors and small series production.
Design/methodology/approach
Presents a conceptual model with a framework that integrates existing tools and needed developments and research to increase the usefulness of sensors in robotic arc welding. The conceptual model is based on research within the field which covers supporting tools like robot simulation, sensor modelling and handling and optimization issues with respect to the robot task execution. A descriptive structure and concept is outlined to include welding procedure specifications (WPS) as a key module to provide an integrated and holistic control model of the robotic.
Findings
Finds that the outlined conceptual model and architecture supports an increased flexibility of sensor controlled robots for arc welding applications. The arguments are specifically made for small series and one‐off production.
Research limitations/implications
The paper is limited to arc welding applications and the concept and arguments are made with small series and one‐off production in mind.
Practical implications
Increased use of sensors and robots in small series production.
Originality/value
Introduces a holistic approach for task level control of a robot which introduces a structured way for integrated and coordinated control of the arc welding task. The objective is to execute the welding task with maintained robustness with respect to predefined specifications (quality, productivity).
Details
Keywords
Anja van der Voort, Femmie Juffer and Marian J. Bakermans-Kranenburg
The quality of the attachment relationship between children and their parents is important for children's social-emotional development and can have profound consequences for…
Abstract
Purpose
The quality of the attachment relationship between children and their parents is important for children's social-emotional development and can have profound consequences for adaptational processes in later life. The purpose of this paper is to give an overview of the current knowledge about sensitive parenting and its role in affecting infants’ attachment security, and developmental outcomes of attachment. The authors end with a brief discussion of evidence-based interventions aimed at improving sensitive parenting and the attachment relationship between children and parents.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors refer to meta-analyses as quantitative reviews in which all available studies conducted on a particular subject (such as maternal sensitivity and attachment) are included.
Findings
The authors conclude that numerous empirical studies and meta-analyses have confirmed the importance of sensitive parenting and attachment security for children's social-emotional development, providing a robust evidence base for translation, implementation, and intervention in practice.
Originality/value
This paper gives an overview of the current knowledge about attachment security, the role of sensitive parenting and the developmental outcomes of attachment, and provides a brief discussion of attachment-based interventions.
Details
Keywords
THERE have been official links for the past twelve years between the Institute of Incorporated Work Study Technologists and Time and Motion Study. Many of its members have been…
Abstract
THERE have been official links for the past twelve years between the Institute of Incorporated Work Study Technologists and Time and Motion Study. Many of its members have been valued contributors to our pages and the Institute has had editorial space for its news.
Tracy J. Pinkard and Leonard Bickman
Two major reform movements have shaped child and adolescent mental health services over the past quarter-century: the Systems of Care movement, and more recently, the movement…
Abstract
Two major reform movements have shaped child and adolescent mental health services over the past quarter-century: the Systems of Care movement, and more recently, the movement toward evidence-based practice. Results from several studies indicate that youth served in traditional residential or inpatient care may experience difficulty re-entering their natural environments, or were released into physically and emotionally unsafe homes (Bruns & Burchard, 2000; President's Commission on Mental Health, 1978; Stortz, 2000; Stroul & Friedman, 1986; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 1999). The cost of hospitalizing youth also became a policy concern (Henggeler et al., 1999b; Kielser, 1993; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 1999). For example, it is estimated that from the late 1980s through 1990 inpatient treatment consumed nearly half of all expenditures for child and adolescent mental health care although the services were found not to be very effective (Burns, 1991; Burns & Friedman, 1990). More recent analyses indicate that at least 1/3 of all mental health expenditures for youth are associated with inpatient hospitalization (Ringel & Sturm, 2001).
Abstract
Details