Peeing on the Palace: Bodily Resistance to Bourbon Reforms in Mexico City

Abstract In late eighteenth-century Mexico City, the state instituted unprecedented efforts to transform the mores of the poor. Enlightened elites and state bureaucrats energetically limned the vices of the lower classes as both a means of social self-definition and as a form of cultural proselytizing. This new antagomism between elite and popular culture cut not only across the social formation, but the topography of the city and the body of the individual, as the poor became bracketed with the now shameful functions of the lower body. The Bourbon reforms extended not only into daily life and Mexico City's increasingly monitored public places, but provided a focus for elite identity formation.     

RACISM AS RENT SEEKING

Rules governing social and economic interactions among ethnic groups are modeled as public goods. The publicness of social rules can explain why race has been so consistently politicized. The potential gains from public provision attract political entrepreneurs into the field. In the absence of some constitutional restraints upon such rent seeking, race is bound to be politicized. In addition, the model can explain the existence of many government policies concerning race that are not apparently motivated by economic gain. Finally, government enforcement of ethnic economic cartels can explain some of the persistent differences in earnings across ethnic groups.     

Occupational Stress in Social Services: a Comparison of Social Workers and Home Help Staff

Correspondence to Jennifer Bradley, School of Health Sciences, University College Salford, Frederick Road, Salford M6 6PU. Summary An investigation of occupational stress among professional andsupport staff within a social services department in north-westEngland was carried out, with the aim of optimizing the useof resources in the planning of stress management interventions.A two-phased research design was used to collect qualitative(by interview) and quantitative data (by questionnaire). Theresults reported here are based on data from 63 social workersand 74 home helps, who were involved in ‘front-line’work with clients. Sources of stress, measures of individualwell-being, job satisfaction, rganizational commitment and absenteeismdata are described. Comparisons with other occupational groupsare included.