Paternalism as a component of managerial strategy

Paternalistic forms of labor control have become less viable according to many macro and mid-range analyses. This is true to a point, but it is exaggerated and this exaggeration results, we argue, from common theoretical premises. In the Weberian perspective, paternalism is one of several univocal forms of legitimized authority. The assumption follows that paternalized managerial strategies will be univocally paternalist, and thus will become obsolete as institutional rationalization, and the associated differentiation of forms of authority legitimations, advances. Instead, paternalism remains one element in a multivocal strategic repertoire that presents workers with a variety of rationales and justifications for management actions. To illustrate some of the features of the multivocal employment of paternalism, we present and analyze material from interviews with workers in two secondary labor market firms.     

Cognitive-behavioural interventions for adolescents in residential child care in Scotland: an examination of practice and lessons from research

This paper sets out to examine the basis and use of cognitive‐behavioural interventions with adolescents in residential child care. The paper outlines the results of a survey of the use of cognitive‐behavioural interventions in Scotland. The survey indicates that such interventions are used widely in residential schools and secure units in Scotland. The paper then reviews some of the studies relating to cognitive‐behavioural interventions, which appear to be most relevant to residential child care. The review revealed many of the positive outcomes of cognitive‐behavioural interventions. However, there are some cautionary notes highlighted by the survey and the review. These relate to issues about generalization of learning and the meaning of the intervention for the young person and for the staff. The paper discusses the importance of other factors in determining the success of cognitive‐behavioural interventions. These factors include the importance of accurate assessment, the role of staff training and the need to ensure that interventions are always in the best interests of the child.     

Transnational life and cross-border immobility in pandemic times

The COVID-19 pandemic dramatically disrupted and reconfigured the cross-border movements of people. Based on an anthropological study of the experiences of transnational migrants during the pandemic (May 2020–May 2021), this article explores stories of how cross-border immobility impacts transnational life and sense of belonging. The stories reveal the emotional toll of prolonged family separation across geographical distances when loved ones are no longer ‘just one flight away’ and give voice to experiences of being ‘trapped’, ‘stuck’ or ‘stranded’ in a state of transnational limbo. Running through the stories are intensified experiences of foreignness, non-belonging, precariousness and discrimination. Some also felt abandoned by their country of origin as border closures left them ‘locked out’ and ‘blowing in the wind’, fostering an experience akin to exile.