Book Reviews

Qualitative Sociology -     

A Generalized Loss Function for Process Optimization

The use of loss functions for measuring the undesirability associated with failure to achieve target values for manufacturing product characteristics is widespread in industry. This study presents a generalization of one of the most commonly used loss functions and compares the two functions based on five theoretical criteria. A simulation involving multiple probability distributions for a single product characteristic is used to compare the performance of the loss functions. An example from the manufacture of helicopter transmission gears is used to empirically demonstrate the superiority of the generalized loss function over the conventional loss function.     

Independent Correlates of Reported Gambling Problems Amongst Indigenous Australians

To identify independent correlates of reported gambling problems amongst the Indigenous population of Australia. A cross-sectional design was applied to a nationally representative sample of the Indigenous population. Estimates of reported gambling problems are presented by remoteness and jurisdiction. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify independent correlates of reported gambling problems amongst individuals and their social and family networks. The analysis was stratified by remoteness. Indigenous people living in remote locations reported significantly more gambling problems than those living in non-remote locations. In non-remote areas, being female, having high personal income, being more socially connected (i.e. involved in an Indigenous organisation or living in a household where all members were Indigenous) and reporting community problems were associated with higher levels of reported gambling problems. In remote areas, multifamily households, participation in sports and cultural events, and reporting of community problems were associated with higher reported gambling problems, while having a relative removed from their natural family was associated with lower reported problems. Problematic gambling is clearly related to the social and environmental contexts in which it occurs. Harm minimisation policies that focus on a reduction in crowding (especially in remote locations), increased public awareness of the negative consequences of gambling, improving access to support services, and lifting the socioeconomic status of Indigenous people may reduce gambling related harm in the medium to long term.     

Promoting the mental well-being of older people from black and minority ethnic communities in United Kingdom rural areas: Findings from an interview study

Drawing from 81 interviews with practitioners in social care and housing with care services in the United Kingdom, this paper explores practice issues in rural areas when supporting the mental health and well-being of older people from Black and minority ethnic groups. The paper begins with a review of the literature which provides evidence that BME older people are likely to be increasingly part of the populations of rural areas. Next it presents interview data revealing that while practitioners are aware of such demographic changes in general terms; some feel that they lack training and skills in adapting their professional practice to support all older people. Others express feelings of professional isolation in seeking to support older people from minority groups and are concerned that older people from minority groups may be at risk of isolation and loneliness. The paper concludes with a discussion of the study's implications for rural practice, policy and research.     

Marrying into the American Population: Pathways into Cross‐Nativity Marriages

Cross‐nativity marriages have been a neglected dimension of intermarriage patterns in the U.S., although they provide a vehicle for the easy social and political integration of the foreign‐born spouse and the couple's children. We first present U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service data to show that cross‐nativity marriages are common among migrants entering the country and appear to be increasing over time. The following analyses based on 2008 American Community Survey data imply several pathways into cross‐nativity marriages that are strongly gendered and race specific and that involve major social institutions such as the higher educational system and the U.S. military.     

Pushing the Boundaries: Responses to Ethnic Conformity Pressure in Two Turkish Communities in Belgium

Previous research has demonstrated that ethnic communities try to maintain ethnic boundaries through group pressure to conform to premigration cultural patterns, which mainly happens indirectly through social control. So far however, little attention has been given to how group members respond to this indirect ethnic conformity pressure, as well as to the factors that shape these responses. Drawing on in-depth interviews with second- and third-generation Turkish Belgians, we examine and explain different responses to ethnic conformity pressure and link these to ethno-cultural change and boundary change. We distinguish three negotiation strategies, namely conformity, creativity and disregard, and find that the choice for a particular strategy is first and foremost shaped by the agent’s gender, their embeddedness in the Turkish community, and the availability of an alternative support network, both of which are shaped by exclusion in the larger society. In addition, also the severity of the norm violation, the social structure of the community and parental expectations play a role. Findings are interpreted in terms of ethnic boundary dynamics, and implications for ethno-cultural change are discussed.     

‘No more Turkish music!’ The acculturation strategies of teachers and ethnic minority students in Flemish schools

ABSTRACT

While considerable research has focused on the process and factors affecting acculturation, there is little research that investigates how members of minority and majority groups define acculturation in educational settings. Ethnographic research and qualitative interviews in three secondary schools in Flanders (Belgium) show that teachers and ethnic minority students have different ideas and expectancies regarding the concept ‘integration’, which appears to affect student–teacher relationship. Berry et al.’s [1989. “Acculturation Attitudes in Plural Societies.” Applied Psychology: An International Review 3 (2): 185-206. doi:10.1111/j.1464-0597.1989.tb01208.x.] acculturation orientations are used as a theoretical template to analyse teachers’ and ethnic minority students’ discourses about acculturation. Analyses reveal that students of immigrant descent perceive acculturation mainly in terms of the establishment of intergroup contact. In contrast, teachers find it harder to disconnect cultural maintenance from contact and participation. By suggesting some form of cultural adoption, teachers hope to socialise their ethnic minority students into the culture of the dominant ethnic group and prepare them for their future. These distinct interpretations of ‘integration’ in everyday life (which actually refers to acculturation) often leads to misunderstandings between ethnic minority students and their teachers, even to conflict, as many students feel that their cultural background is disparaged and not fully valued in school.     

Work–family conflict: comparing the experiences of Turkish and native Belgian women

ABSTRACT

While research has focused on a number of dimensions of work–family conflict (WFC), hardly any literature exists that analyses how differences in family systems might help to explain variations in WFC experiences. By employing Reher’s typology of strong and weak family ties to integrate existing research and identify unaddressed features, this study finds that researchers have generally understudied the role of structural family ties on WFC. Qualitative data gathered from interviews with highly educated native Belgian and Turkish immigrant women living in Belgium are used to analyse variation in the WFC experiences and coping strategies of these two groups. The results suggest that a number of interconnected factors related to family systems – including internalisation of gender roles, division of family-related responsibilities, support mechanisms and external pressures from family and society, and socialisation processes of minority women in both family structures – are highly significant in explaining variations in women’s WFC experiences.     

Blending Prevention Models: An Effective Substance Use and HIV Prevention Program for Minority Youth

Illicit drug use and rates of HIV infection among youth have increased over the past decade, indicating the need effective substance use and HIV prevention programs. Particularly at risk are minority youth living in poor urban environments. This study examines effectiveness of an innovative prevention program that blends the “All Star” substance abuse prevention model with the “Popular Opinion Leader” model for HIV prevention. In general, the results indicate non-significant increases in drug and sex risk, behavior and significant positive changes and trends in related areas (i.e., changes in perception, self esteem) thought to be related to drug use and risky sexual behavior.Sally Stevens and Velia Leybas-Amedia are affiliated with the Southwest Institute for Research on Women, University of Arizona. Beth Bourdeau is affiliated with the Pima Prevention Partnership, Tucson, AZ. Lovelle McMichael and Alan Nyitray are affiliated with the Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation, Tucson, AZ. Financial assistance for this project was provided by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration, Center for Substance Abuse Prevention Grant# SP08916. The opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and do not reflect official positions of the government. The Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation and the authors would like to acknowledge the staff at the Tucson Urban League Academy Charter School and Luz Social Services Charter School for their assistance and support of the Check Yourself Youth Team prevention project.