Elderly migration and its implications for service provision in rural communities: an Ontario perspective

Following a discussion of the role of migration in the aging of rural populations and of consequent implications for service provision in rural communities, a case study featuring demographic and service use data for Grey County, Ontario, is presented. Cohort Survival Analysis of census data for the period 1971–1986 indicates a consistent net in-migration of elderly into the county and a complex but predictable pattern of elderly relocation from townships to villages and towns within Grey. The demographic analysis is complemented and extended by the examination of survey data on the residential history and service use of a sample of elderly residents drawn from two communities in Grey County. The survey results provide valuable clues for the interpretation of the demographic analysis and reveal residential history to be a potentially important pre-condition of dependence on formal services intended for the maintenance of elderly persons in the community. The paper concludes with a discussion of the need for local analysis of migration impacts and of the relationship between such impacts and longstanding problems of rural service provision.     

Durkheim as a Functionalist*

Functionalism is basic to Durkheim's sociology. Like other functionalists, he focused on the problem of order and the positive effects of social institutions, explaining their existence in terms of their functionally necessary contributions. As a pioneer he grappled with many of the basic problems posed by this perspective. He derived more than one explanation linking existence and necessity. The most distinctive, and yet widely ignored, aspect of his approach is the implicit argument that as a powerful, self-conscious entity controlling the behavior of its individual members, society can perpetuate the social conditions of its own existence. Many of the characteristic strengths and weaknesses of Durkheim's sociological theory may be traced to his functionalism.     

Residential Relocation in Later Life: A Comparison of Proactive and Reactive Moves

Proactive coping involves anticipating future events or stressors and preparing for them in advance. Housing is an important consideration in preparing for later life. This study examines residential relocation among older adults, comparing those who moved proactively with those who moved reactively. Data from the Longitudinal Study of Aging included a final sample of individuals who had relocated at Wave 2 (n = 736) and Wave 3 (n = 713). The proactive group of movers was younger, more educated, and had higher incomes. Results provide support for proactive coping theory and its application to residential relocation in later life.     

The Historical Importance of Social Justice in the Founding of the National Career Development Association

The authors discuss the role of social justice in the founding of the National Career Development Association (NCDA). They discuss the historic context of the founding, the social justice work of the pioneers of vocational guidance, and the social justice influences that permeate the fabric of NCDA even today.     

Chinese parents’ involvement in sexuality education for adolescents

Objectives and Methods: Structural equation modeling was used to examine a model of factors related to the level of involvement of Chinese parents in sexuality education for adolescents. Results: Greater parental education was indirectly related to parental engagement in sexuality education through its relationship with more traditional cultural values, greater perceived knowledge of sexuality, and increased quality of the parent-child relationship. The model was found to be largely consistent regardless of the gender of the parent or child and the residence of the family. Conclusions: Results demonstrate that there are multiple pathways to consider within the topic of Chinese parental involvement in sexuality education.     

Family engagement in the perinatal period and infant rights

The meaning of human rights for children is a contested issue; the notion of rights for unborn babies poses additional complexity. Drawing on data from a prospective case study of a specialist drug and alcohol obstetric provider and the statutory child protection service, this article discusses family engagement within a child-rights framework, and demonstrates how adherence to the "best interests" principle, in the absence of an appropriate service provision, excludes vulnerable mother/infant dyads from drawing on extended family support.