Reflection note: confessions of a Muslim researcher – considering identity in research

ABSTRACT

This research note explores some of the contentions that have emerged from Muslim-on-Muslim research and how this can implicate the researcher more personally. Speaking in the context of methodological concerns arising from qualitative research, the paper consider the following aspects: inappropriate access of participants, over-representation of own experiences, and questioning fundamental parts of your identity. Whilst certain experiences can shake the foundations of being a researcher and even sense of self, these should ultimately be welcomed. It is concluded that, in taking the time to reconcile from such tensions emerging from our multiple identities, it can allow for becoming a more rigorous and reflexive researcher.     

Racial Differences Between African and White Americans in the Presentation of Borderline Personality Disorder

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is commonly thought of as a disorder of White females. Despite evidence indicating similar prevalence rates across races and genders, no study has examined the experience of BPD among ethnic minorities and how this differs from Whites. The affective and behavioral symptoms of BPD were studied in 17 African Americans and 27 White Americans with the disorder. Results indicated that African Americans experience greater affective intensity and emotional dysregulation, fewer self-harming behaviors, and more thoughts of interpersonal aggression than Whites. Differences in affective symptoms were accounted for by group differences in substance use and receipt of inpatient services, whereas differences in behavioral symptomatology persisted after adjusting for potential confounders. These findings suggest that not only is BPD not a disorder exclusive to White females, but that the experience of the disorder may differ substantially across races. Implications for future research and directions for developing culturally relevant treatments are discussed.     

Marriage Expectations Among African American Couples in Early Adulthood: A Dyadic Analysis

Using Family and Community Health Study data consisting of 168 unmarried, primarily African American couples, the current study sought to understand the dyadic interplay among school, work, and partner-specific marriage expectations in early adulthood. Drawing on the economic prospects, adult transitions, and work - family literatures, the authors hypothesized and found ample support that expectations to marry a romantic partner were linked not only to one's own school and work-related experiences but also to those of a partner. These associations held while controlling for relationship satisfaction, general views of marriage, and other covariates that have been posited to explain racial inequalities in relationship and marriage patterns. Furthermore, the authors found that actor covariates of marital expectations differed from partner covariates, a finding that highlights the advantages of dyadic analyses in helping researchers understand marriage as both a developmental and interpersonal process.     

A Commentary on the Admission and Retention of Students with Disabilities in Social Work Programs

Abstract

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is the federal law upon which the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) is built. Both laws are designed to prevent discrimination against students with disabilities. This commentary offers a comparison of section 504 with the ADA. An analysis of the case law under Section 504 is also presented; this analysis provides guidelines that universities and colleges will have to follow under the ADA. The implications of the ADA are offered for social work programs in the areas of admission and retention of students with disabilities.     

全国清真食品管理法规制定应注意的几个问题

制定全国清真食品管理法规时，应当对清真食品概念界定、清真食品标识使用、执法主体、违规处罚等问题进行重点考量，以更好地落实民族、宗教政策，切实保障信仰伊斯兰教各民族的风俗习惯，维护民族团结，共建和谐社会。     

伊斯兰教与中国穆斯林社会的宗教文化

伊斯兰教在中国已有一千多年的历史。在漫长的历史进程中，中国共有10个民族信奉了伊斯兰教，形成了以维吾尔族为主的新疆穆斯林和以回族为主的内地穆斯林两大文化群体，伊斯兰教在新疆和内地呈现出了各自鲜明的地域特色和民族特色。     

评《典型的美国人》中“鸡尾酒”同化模式

华裔美国作家任璧莲的《典型的美国人》描写了华人拉尔夫一家移民美国，逐渐被美国主流社会同化，最后成为“典型的美国人”的故事。《典型的美国人》的同化模式就像一杯由“烈性”的美国文化和“调味”的中国文化调制而成的马提尼鸡尾酒，散发出独特的味道。     

元代中国穆斯林墓葬石刻的发现与研究

近百年来,在海南岛、广州、泉州、福州、杭州、扬州、北京、宁城等地发现了大量元代中国穆斯林墓葬石刻。通过发现地点集中在中国东部地区这一现象,可以看出元代中国东部地区的穆斯林主要是迁入中国的穆斯林侨民,故较多地保留了原有的伊斯兰文化特点;数量颇为可观的元代穆斯林墓葬石刻的主要价值,在于更清晰地说明了元代中国穆斯林的汉化程度并不深。     

Challenging implicit bias: preparing students to practice with African American families

ABSTRACT

The disparity of African American families in the foster care system is a concern in the field of child welfare services and the social work profession. African American families experience unique challenges related to discriminatory practices and implicit biases in the child welfare system and by mandated reporters. To address these inequalities, state and local agencies have implemented prevention and intervention services to support minority families. Additionally, child welfare agencies have invested in professional development training for their workers to alleviate possible intolerant practices. This article describes implicit biases and considers how they could contribute to the disparity of African American families involved in the child welfare system. Furthermore, the article presents approaches to help social work students to identify and challenge their implicit biases to support culturally sensitive practices while working with African American families. It concludes with implications for social work education.