Cumulative logit models for matched pairs case-control design: Studies with covariates

Binary as well as polytomous logistic models have been found useful for estimating odds ratios when the exposure of prime interest assumes unordered multiple levels under matched pair case-control design. In our earlier studies, we have shown the use of a polytomous logistic model for estimating cumulative odds ratios when the exposure of prime interest assumes multiple ordered levels under matched pair case-control design. In this paper, using the above model, we estimate the covariate adjusted cumulative odds ratios, in the case of an ordinal multiple level exposure variable under a pairwise matched case-control retrospective design. An approach, based on asymptotic distributional results, is also described to investigate whether or not the response categories are distinguishable with respect to the cumulative odds ratios after adjusting the effect of covariates. An illustrative example is presented and discussed.     

Norms and Survival in the Heat of War: Normative Versus Instrumental Rationalities and Survival Tactics in the Blockade of Leningrad1

When war challenges civilian survival, what shapes the balance between normative and instrumental rationalities in survival practices? Increasing desperation and uncertainty can lead civilians to focus on their own material interests and to violate norms in the name of survival or gain—to the detriment of the war effort and of other civilians. Do norms, boundaries against transgressions, and considerations of collective interests and identities persist, and, if so, through what mechanisms? Using diaries and recollections from the 872‐day Blockade of Leningrad (1941–1944)—an extreme case of wartime desperation—this article examines how three forms of cultural embeddedness shape variation in the strength of norms against calculative, instrumental rationality. Proximity and empathy with others, the structure of norms and analogies to legitimate instrumental practices, and reflexivity vis‐à‐vis war and others’ response interact dialectically with the war context to shape variation in violating norms and rationalizing transgressions. Theft of food and cannibalism, which involve tactics of survival or gain that also risk the well‐being of victims (theft) or violation of a powerful taboo (cannibalism), demonstrate the weakness of norms on the margins but their power when core norms or other real, visible individuals are threatened.     

Examining college students’ differential deviance: A partial test of social structure-social learning theory

College students are engaged in a variety of activities on campus, some of which are deviant and may be criminal. This research investigated 12 activities prohibited on many college campuses (for example, smoking, meeting in an unreserved room, and removing school property without permission). Negative binomial regressions were used to analyze a count of engagement in the deviant activities and logistic regressions were used to separately analyze the three most common behaviors found in the sample—non-permitted parking, alcohol consumption, and making a false excuse. The findings show moderate support for the general (using the count variable) and the specific (using the three dichotomized variables) predictability of unofficial and official sanctions as a proxy measures of Sherman’s defiance theory and the four constructs of Akers’ social learning theory. The inconsistencies among which variables were significant and which had the strongest effect are discussed, along with a mediation analysis.     

Influence diagnostics in the Gamma regression model with adjusted deviance residuals

In this study, we develop the adjusted deviance residuals for the gamma regression model (GRM) by following Cordeiro's (2004) method. These adjusted deviance residuals under the GRM are used for influence diagnostics. A comparative analysis has been sorted out between our proposed method of the adjusted deviance residuals and an existing method for influence diagnostics. These results are illustrated by a simulation study and using a real data set. They are presented for different values of dispersion and sample sizes and indicate the significant role of the GRM inferences.     

Assimilationism and Pluralism as Cultural Tools

Most scholarship on assimilationism and pluralism either scientifically assesses their validity as theories or ideologically makes claims about their propriety. Missing is inquiry into how assimilationism and pluralism are not merely about society (as outcomes or ideals) but are used in society, sometimes as “antithetical master-frames.” I therefore do two things here: In Part I, I recast assimilationism and pluralism in terms of two dimensions of concern to people: morality (is assimilating or retaining the right thing to do?) and inclusiveness (which groups are candidates for assimilation or retention?). In Part II, I analyze the use of assimilationist and pluralist frames in three social movements—gay, Deaf Culture, and white separatist.

     

A deviance-based criterion for model selection in GLM

Model selection is the most persuasive problem in generalized linear models. A model selection criterion based on deviance called the deviance-based criterion (DBC) is proposed. The DBC is obtained by penalizing the difference between the deviance of the fitted model and the full model. Under certain weak conditions, DBC is shown to be a consistent model selection criterion in the sense that with probability approaching to one, the selected model asymptotically equals the optimal model relating response and predictors. Further, the use of DBC in link function selection is also discussed. We compare the proposed model selection criterion with existing methods. The small sample efficiency of proposed model selection criterion is evaluated by the simulation study.     

Stories About Child Sexual Abuse: Textual Analysis of Instruction Manuals in Israel

This paper overviews the socio-historical background underlying the construction of child abuse as a public issue in Israel, and analyzes one cultural product of this process—textbooks and manuals on child sexual abuse prevention. Analysis of the Israeli narratives reveals that they mimic American counterparts and address an ideal Jewish middle-class, ignoring other societal sectors. The narratives individualize and medicalize both victim and abuser. Focusing on stereotyped techniques for the individual’s survival and recovery, they avoid discussion of broader social and political power relations.     

关于委婉语的定义

委婉语是交际中一种与直接语相对应而存在的普遍语言现象。关于委婉语的传统研究 ,英语主要限于与禁忌语相对待的范围 ;汉语则主要是看作辞格系统中的一种方式。事实上 ,委婉语是在语境的制约和作用下、体现交际主体心理需要而产生的 ,表达者不直说本意 ,而选用具有与直接语所指或含义相同的“说法”来替换表达的一种语言现象。根据是否具有约定俗成的语义特点 ,委婉语系统由规范委婉语和变异委婉语构成。     

Parenting as Activism: Identity Alignment and Activist Persistence in the White Power Movement

This article addresses the relationship between identity and activism and discusses implications for social movement persistence. We explain how individuals negotiate opportunities as parents to align and extend an activist identity with a movement's collective expectations. Specifically, we focus on how participants in the U.S. white power movement use parenting as a key role to express commitment to the movement, develop correspondence among competing and potentially conflicting identities, and ultimately sustain their activism. We suggest that parenting may provide unique opportunities for activists in many movements to align personal, social, and collective movement identities and simultaneously affirm their identities as parents and persist as social movement activists.