New Ways of Thinking about Environmentalism: Elaborating on Gender Differences in Environmentalism

A review of recent research (1988 to 1998) on gender differences in environmental attitudes and behaviors found that, contrary to past inconsistencies, a clearer picture has emerged: Women report stronger environmental attitudes and behaviors than men. Additional evidence of gender differences in environmental attitudes and behaviors was also supported across age (Study 1) and across 14 countries (Study 2). As a single variable, the effect of gender on proenvironmental behavior was consistently stronger than on environmental attitudes. Explanations for gender differences in environmentalism were examined in Study 3. It was found that compared to males, females had higher levels of socialization to be other oriented and socially responsible. Implications for theory, social action, and policy are discussed.     

High Hopes but Even Higher Expectations: The Retreat From Marriage Among Low‐Income Couples

This study examines why low‐income, unmarried parents who say that they plan to marry at the time their child is born do not follow through on their plans. We use data from a nationally representative birth cohort survey—the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study (N =3,710)—combined with data from an embedded qualitative study—Time, Love, Cash, Caring, and Children (n =47)—to explore the reasons behind this apparent discrepancy. We find that some of the difference between parents’ expectations and behavior may be because of the overstatement of intentions at the time of the birth. Most of the discrepancy, however, results from parents’ perceived social and economic barriers to marriage. Specifically, unmarried parents have a long list of financial and relationship prerequisites they believe must be met in order for them to wed. Combined with other factors, these standards lead to an indeterminate delay in marriage.     

Do Income Surveys Overestimate Poverty in Western Europe? Evidence from a Comparison with Institutional Frameworks

Comparative poverty research flourishes,especially since comparable income data areeasily available through the Luxembourg IncomeStudy. However, widely-used income surveyssuffer from a number of methodological pitfallsfor comparative poverty research. This researchreport uses the data available in theLuxembourg Income Study for three countries –Germany, Sweden and the United Kingdom – toexemplify the limited comparability ofwidely-used income data used in povertyresearch. In a simple simulation exercise,entitlements to means-tested benefits areimputed for each household in the sample, basedon the institutional regulations in eachcountry. Compared to actual poverty rates inthe original sample, imputed poverty rates aremarkedly smaller, if not reduced to zero. Evenif one accounts for an incomplete take-up ofbenefits, a large gap between actual andsimulated poverty rates still remains, largelycaused by problems in survey design. The paperconcludes with a number of recommendations forimproving income surveys from the perspectiveof comparative poverty research.     

Explaining son preference in rural India: the independent role of structural versus individual factors

Much research has been done on demographic manifestations of son preference, particularly girls’ excess mortality; however, there is less research that focuses on son preference itself. This paper analyzes the determinants of son preference in rural India. We separate the independent, relative effects of characteristics of individual women and their households, village opportunities for women and village development, and social norms. We look at both socioeconomic and sociocultural variables. Finally, we examine whether predictors of son preference differ by desired family size. Our data come from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) India, 1992–1993. We use an ordered logit model, with dummy variables for state of residence. Our analysis shows that women’s education, particularly at secondary and higher levels, is consistently and significantly associated with weaker son preference, regardless of desired family size. Once factors measuring social norms, such as marriage customs, caste and religion, are included, economic wealth and women’s employment at household or village levels are not significant. Media access remains significant, suggesting an influence of “modernizing” ideas. Among social factors, caste and religion are associated with son preference but, once state of residence is controlled for, marriage patterns and cultivation patterns are insignificant. The strength and significance for son preference of many determinants differs by desired family size. Our results suggest that policy makers seeking to influence son preference need to identify and target different policy levers to women in different fertility and social contexts, rather than try an approach of one size that fits all.     

Senile Dementia of the Alzheimer Type

The graying of America will result in triple the number of Americans diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease by 2050. The social service field will be challenged to recognize the symptoms, refer for differential diagnostic testing, and provide services to individuals afflicted with Senile Dementia of the Alzheimer's type and to their families. This paper will review the history of Alzheimer's disease, its diagnostic criteria, symptoms, and effects on the patient and the family system. The impact of the disease on issues of caregiving, aging, and midlife will also be discussed. Two case examples will illustrate interventions in the early as well as the late stages of the disease.     

Tongue Sandwiches and Bagel Days: Sex,Food and Mind‐Body Dualism

The substantive content of our paper is that of mind‐body dualism, which we explore through food metaphors. However, our primary aim is to use these food metaphors to explore the difficulties in going beyond dualistic thinking. We do this by focusing on dualism as a learnt state of being. Accordingly, and using an analysis of pedagogies of the everyday that takes account of particular communities of practice, we seek to demonstrate the (re)production of dualistic frameworks in organizational life. Our conclusion returns to a political agenda that is concerned to go beyond the inevitable hierarchization implicit in dualistic construction. Here we present the case for the retention of the binary and we indicate the work that now needs to take place if we are interested in developing interpretations that express the fluidity of gendered identities.     

Theorizing Migration Policy: Is There a Third Way?1

This article critically reviews theories of migration policy according to two criteria: methodological rigor and explanatory plausibility. It finds that political economy accounts are theoretically robust, but at the price of oversimplification. Neo‐institutional theories offer more sophisticated accounts, but fall short on a number of methodological and explanatory counts. As an alternative, this article suggests a theory focusing on the functional imperatives of the state in the area of migration, which shape its responses to societal interests and institutional structures.     

AUSTRALIAN WAR WIDOWS: A CASE STUDY TO CHALLENGE PUBLIC POLICY

This paper explores public policy in relation to war widows. The effects of public policy are rarely analysed from an individual's perspective. The paper draws on interview data to analyse the case study of a 51 year old Vietnam War widow and compares this to the experiences of six other war widows. Findings are part of a larger study on widowhood. Life histories were gained through unstructured interviews and then constructed as case studies that enabled an analysis of the relationship between the individual lived experience of the women and broader social forces that influence this. The findings suggest that women may feel differently about being categorised as ‘war widows’ in public policy and the reasons for this are varied. The paper suggests that an extension of this study be conducted to more fully explore the reasons for the differences in war widows to inform future policy review/revision.