The Conservative Party and devolved national identities: Scotland and Wales compared

This article focuses on the role of national identity in the behaviour and performance of the Scottish Conservative Party – the main voice of opposition to devolution in the 1990s. In particular, it will address the apparent flat-lining of its popular vote, arguing that this is a direct consequence of the party doggedly adhering to a more traditional form of ‘unionist nationalism’. This can be contrasted with Wales, where the party has adapted well to devolution, and enjoyed a steady improvement in its electoral performances.     

Interactional perspectives on the mistreatment of older and vulnerable people in long‐term care settings

This article draws on a study aimed at developing theoretical and methodological understanding of the abuse and neglect (mistreatment) of older people in long‐term care settings such as care homes and hospitals. It presents an interactionist account of mistreatment of older people in such establishments. Starting with an outline of definitional issues surrounding the topic, the allied concept of dignity is also briefly explored, and one important model described; we present dignity as the converse of mistreatment. The article argues for the potential of a positioning theory analysis of mistreatment. Positioning theory proposes that interactions are based on taking of ‘positions’, clusters of rights and duties to act in certain ways and impose particular meanings, which enable or prohibit access to certain storylines. It is argued that ‘malignant’ positioning can contribute to the creation of a climate that allows mistreatment to take place, or fails to prohibit its development. Mistreatment of people with dementia is used as an illustration, and it is argued that this is potentially generated by negative feedback loops of behaviour patterns, interpretations and malignant positioning by staff or family carers and subsequent response to these interpretations by the person with dementia. Positioning theory also allows for an explanation of the importance and impact of organizational cultures and social factors such as ageism. Individual staff members take positions, use meanings and develop storylines imbued with such factors. This understanding therefore overcomes some of the potential confusions created by concepts such as organizational or institutional abuse, removing the need to ascribe intentions and personal responsibility to such constructs. The article concludes with some suggestions for further research to develop an understanding of the kinds of cultures that allow mistreatment and consequently to inform the development of protective measures.     

Sex Differences in Sociology Specializations, 1975–1985: Women's Liberation to Ghetto Specialization

Abstract

This report explores the division of labor by sex in sociology. Using the Guide to Graduate Departments for the years 1975, 1980 and 1985, first-cited specialty areas for all women and a one-fifth sample for men were obtained. Comparison of these specialty areas for women and men suggests that a division of labor by sex exists in sociology. Further, the correlations between specialty areas for men and women are decreasing over time, indicating an increasing division of labor by sex. Of particular interest are: 1) the nearly exclusive participation of women in Gender Studies and the increase of women over time who choose this as a first-cited specialty; 2) the decline in the core area of Methods by both men and women; 3) the decline in the core area of Theory by women.     

Telling it like it was. Audio-taping stories told by mental health service users and carers

This paper begins by claiming that the telling and hearing of stories is intrinsic to the social work task. Examples of the value of hearing stories in a variety of social work roles are provided, as are examples of the theoretical underpinnings which substantiate the importance of enabling service users and carers to tell their stories. The main focus of the paper is on relating how audio-taping the experiences of service users and carers evolved as part of the author's work. With the permission of those interviewed, examples are quoted from accounts of three different family members attempting to deal with a relative's progressive deterioration into severe dementia. These accounts are followed by the memories of a woman who took an overdose and was subsequently ‘ectioned’ under The Mental Health Act 1983. An interview with two parents attempting to respond to the needs of their schizophrenic son is discussed. Some of the unexpected positive repercussions of recording interviews with these service users are described and some cautions are also highlighted. The paper concludes with suggestions of how audio-taping the stories of service users can be used to benefit social workers engaged in various aspects of social work today.     

Is Eradication of the Pinewood Nematode (Bursaphelenchus xylophilus) Likely? An Evaluation of Current Contingency Plans

The pinewood nematode (PWN) is one of the worst tree‐killing exotic pests in East‐Asian countries. The first European record of establishment in Portugal in 1999 triggered extensive surveys and contingency plans for eradication in European countries, including immediate removal of large areas of conifer host trees. Using Norway as an example, we applied a simulation model to evaluate the chance of successful eradication of a hypothetical introduction by the current contingency plan in a northern area where wilting symptoms are not expected to occur. Despite a highly variable spread of nematode infestations in space and time, the probability of successful eradication in 20 years was consistently low (mean 0.035, SE 0.02). The low success did not change significantly by varying the biological parameters in sensitivity analyses (SA), probably due to the late detection of infestations by the survey (mean 14.3 years). SA revealed a strong influence of management parameters. However, a high probability of eradication required unrealistic measures: achieving an eradication probability of 0.99 in 20 years required 10,000 survey samples per year and a host tree removal radius of 8,000 m around each detection point.     

Russian Influenza in Two University Communities

Abstract

The H1N1 influenza A virus (A/USSR/90/77) appeared first in China, then spread to the United States in January 1978, causing significant outbreaks of influenza among younger age groups. Because college students were particularly affected, epidemiologic investigations were done to define the impact of illness on university populations.

We describe influenza outbreaks involving two college campuses (the Universities of Michigan and Colorado). At both schools, illness attack rates were significantly higher for students than for older faculty and staff members. At the two respective campuses, 25 and 36% of those ill who were surveyed sought medical care. Bed confinement averaged 3.8 days at one school (Michigan). At the other school (Colorado), ill students missed an average of 2.8 days of class. Influenza A (H1N1) virus was isolated from specimens from acutely ill students at both campuses.

These investigations illustrate the practical usefulness of college campuses as sites for monitoring the activity of influenza and other acute respiratory diseases.