Polarization and the decline of the middle class: Canada and the U.S.

Several recent studies have suggested that the distribution of income (earnings, jobs) is becoming more polarized. Much of the evidence presented in support of this view consists of demonstrating that the population share in an arbitrarily chosen middle income class has fallen. However, such evidence can be criticized as being range-specific—depending on the particular cutoffs selected. In this paper we propose a range-free approach to measuring the middle class and polarization, based on partial orderings. The approach yields two polarization curves which, like the Lorenz curve in inequality analysis, signal unambiguous increases in polarization. It also leads to an intuitive new index of polarization that is shown to be closely related to the Gini coefficient. We apply the new methodology to income and earnings data from the U.S. and Canada, and find that polarization is on the rise in the U.S. but is stable or declining in Canada. A cross-country comparison reveals the U.S. to be unambiguously more polarized than Canada.     

Learning from extraordinary lovers: lessons from the edge

This paper discusses lessons about sexuality and eroticism gleaned from those who engage in extraordinary sex, even though such relationships have typically been classified as pathological. What can clinicians learn from those who seek and attain uncommon sexual relations? Such individuals' sexual epistemology, goals, understanding of the nature and spectrum of sexual and erotic relations, communication strategies and "outcome" criteria can provide valuable lessons for those who treat sexual problems or aim to overcome sexual mediocrity. For example, while traditional sex therapy often focuses on what is on the surface, some SM participants are interested in the meanings that lie at a deeper level. Whereas conventional clinicians may focus on enabling particular sexual acts (especially heterosexual intercourse), SM participants are more apt to be concerned with the varied spectrum of underlying purposes motivating these acts. Whereas many couples are willing to settle for merely functional sex, SM practitioners may be more interested in contact that necessitates intense, erotic connection; sophisticated communication of subtle differences in intent; and eventuates in profound self-knowledge and transcendent levels of intimacy. Illustrative case examples are provided.     

Role of Canadian user-led disability organizations in the non-profit sector

User-led disability organizations have emerged as an important force in the non-profit sector. While much is known about the traditional disability organizations that began to proliferate in the 1950s (e.g. National Institute for the Blind), relatively less is known about the user-led organizations that emerged in the 1970s. Using a collective case study approach, phase 1 was a policy review and key informant interviews with members of user-led and traditional organizations and government. Phase 2 surveyed affiliates of user-led organizations. Phase 3 integrated the findings from phases 1 and 2. Major themes were that user-led organizations: reflected a new paradigm and gave voice to people with disabilities; had a unique role in systemic advocacy and shaping policy; that leadership is critical but in need of rejuvenation; had links with other organizations which provide a collective voice, solidarity and hope; had diverse strategies for local resource mobilization; had financial support from government which was both constrained and mobilized.     

Economic and quality of life factors in industrial location decisions

In late 1974 and early 1975, a four page questionnaire was mailed to businessmen in North America. There were three samples drawn; the first included firms in selected industries in the United States, the second surveyed firms in the same industries in Canada, and the third surveyed firms in all industrial classifications in Canada. The three samples surveyed 8,846 industrial firms, one of the largest mail surveys of businessmen undertaken. The questionnaire dealt with quality of life and economic variables within a location decision context. In addition, respondents were asked to indicate if their quality of life had gotten better, remained the same or gotten worse. Also, respondents from the selected Canadian industries survey were asked to indicate if their current quality of life was sitisfactory or unsatisfactory. Businessmen in all three surveys were asked what economic factors they would trade off for an improved quality of life, and, if they were to relocate, what geographic area of the United States and/or Canada they would choose. The responses showed clearly that a majority of businessmen believed that the quality of life for themselves, the daily operation of their plant and their key employees had improved. In addition a majority of Canadian respondents from the selected industry survey believed that their quality of life was satisfactory. The surveys also documented the quality of life and economic variables considered improtant by the respondents.     

Sustained Effects of the 1974–5 Famine on Infant and Child Mortality in a Rural Area of Bangladesh

In this paper the sustained effects of the 1974–75 famine on cohort mortality in a rural area of Bangladesh are studied. In the analysis, mortality rates for children born and conceived during the famine are compared with those from a post-famine cohort. In the famine-born cohort, mortality was higher during the first and second years of life, while in the famine-conceived cohort it was higher during the first year and lower during the second compared to the non-famine cohort. No significant differences in mortality by cohort were observed between the ages of 24 and 59 months. Using logistic regression, interactions between famine and socio-demographic characteristics were also studied. Three principal results emerged: first, a differential effect of the famine by socio-economic group was only present during the post-neonatal period for the famine-born cohort; secondly, children aged 12–23 months who were born to younger mothers were more adversely affected by the famine than those born to older mothers; and thirdly, although there was excess mortality for girls aged 24–59 months relative to boys of the same age in the non-famine and famine-conceived cohorts, there was little difference between mortality by sex for the famine-born.     

PATTERNS OF CONCEPTION, NATALITY, AND MORTALITY FROM MIDWESTERN CEMETERIES:

Our research demonstrates the potential of cemeteries data for sociology and contributes to a greater understanding of demographic and social patterns characterizing the Midwest since its Euramerican settlement. We examine data from ten cemeteries (2,021 burials) spanning the 1830s–1980s in east-central Illinois. Seasonal conception patterns reflect winter and spring peaks, with indication of the spring peak dissipating more recently. Seasonal mortality patterns show a tendency for younger people to die in late summer and older people to die in late winter. Contrary to national patterns, we found female deaths exceeding male deaths in the 10–64 age group. As expressions of gender bias, females are disproportionately identified on gravestones in terms of familial relationships. Of the different cemetery types surveyed (1 family, 4 neighborhood, 2 community, 3 church), only the church cemeteries continue to be used, suggesting a sectarian role in preserving otherwise declining communities.     

Pregnant and Postpartum Adolescents' Perceptions of the Consequences of Child Abuse

A study of 263 pregnant and postpartum indigent and minority teens was conducted in order to examine their perceptions of the consequences of child abuse and their own child abuse history. Teens identified drug and alcohol abuse and teen suicide as the most serious consequences of abuse. Interestingly, they did not identify pregnancy as a consequence. Twenty-seven percent reported a history of abuse. Identifying behavioral and emotional consequences of abuse is important because it affects both the well-being of the adolescent mother and her child. An experience of abuse and its behavioral consequences may interfere with a teen's ability to benefit from parenting intervention programs. Therefore, parenting programs may wish to consider the necessity of screening for a history of abuse as well as adding components on behavioral problems adolescent mothers are concerned about. Additionally, there is a need to reach out to pregnant, parenting and future parents in other settings such as prisons, psychiatric, and residential centers, since issues of abuse may coexist with other behaviors.     

Welfare Reform's Impact on Homelessness

As the most dramatic shift in welfare policy occurs since its inception in 1935, it is imperative to examine potential impacts on homelessness. This paper describes changes in homelessness and welfare policy, assesses potential effects of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, and addresses public policy issues stemming from these changes. Of utmost concern are the continuing growth in female-headed families among the ranks of the homeless and a decline in affordable housing units. Welfare reform has already reduced the numbers of persons on welfare rolls, but it remains unclear as to whether the situation of low-income and homeless female-headed families will become better or worse.