The impact of smoking bans on alcohol demand

Although many studies find that smoking bans reduce cigarette demand, arguments can be made for smoking bans also affecting alcohol demand. Accordingly, in this paper we address the determinants of state-level alcohol demand, which we treat as a function of various economic and demographic variables, as well as smoking bans. Results reveal that smoking bans reduce the demand for beer and spirits. Furthermore, smoking bans tend to intensify the complementary relationship between cigarettes and alcohol, which suggests that smoking bans have altered consumer demographics in the alcohol market. We also find the nature of the smoking ban matters, as bans specific to restaurants and bars lead to larger reductions in beer and spirits consumption, but increase the demand for wine.     

Reports of Conferences, Institutes, and Seminars

Reports on the 2005 North Carolina Serials Conference, the twentieth anniversary conference of the North American Serials Interest Group, the 2005 Acquisitions Institute at Timberline Lodge, and a program on electronic archiving sponsored by the New England Chapter of the Association of College and Research Libraries.     

Scheduling challenges among workers in low-wage hourly jobs: similarities and differences among workers in standard- and nonstandard-hour jobs

Work schedules are a central theme in the work–family challenges of low-wage hourly workers. Yet, research on scheduling patterns among this worker population has primarily focused on nonstandard schedules. We know very little about the scheduling patterns of workers in hourly jobs with standard fixed schedules. Knowledge about the key scheduling challenges by schedule type is necessary to develop targeted workplace solutions, such as flexible work arrangements, to enhance work–life fit among workers in low-wage hourly jobs. Using the 2008 National Study of the Changing Workforce, bivariate and multivariate analyses were employed to determine (1) the prevalence of rigid, unpredictable and unstable work schedules among low-wage hourly workers employed in jobs with standard and nonstandard schedules and whether there is variation in these scheduling practices among full- and part-time workers; and (2) the individual or job characteristics that influence the odds of experiencing rigid, unpredictable or unstable work schedules. Results indicate that rigid and unpredictable schedule practices are most prevalent among low-wage hourly workers in full-time standard-hour jobs and part-time nonstandard-hour jobs, while unstable scheduling practices are most prevalent among hourly workers in full- and part-time nonstandard-hour jobs. Implications and limitations of the research are discussed.     

Circadian rhythms and bright light: Recommendations for shift work

This paper starts with a brief review of the basic principles of human circadian rhythms relevant to understanding the problem of shift work. It then presents a more detailed critical review of the recent bright light literature, with an emphasis on methodological shortcomings, alternative interpretations, and areas that need further research. Evidence is presented which suggests that either a light-dark cycle (which includes bright light) or a sleep-wake schedule can act as a zeitgeber for human circadian rhythms. Current human phase response curves to bright light are reviewed. Light-work-sleep schedules are presented which have been designed to eliminate the physiologically based harmful consequences of shift work. These schedules include both bright light and sleep-wake schedule zeitgebers. Other practical applications of bright light treatment are mentioned.     

Youth Migration,Stratification and State Policy in Post‐Soviet Russia

In principle, the fall of the Soviet Union brought democratic capitalism to the Russian people. In practice, during the post‐Soviet era power elites influence state policies governing social processes like migration to protect their power from democracy and shield their economic status from free market competition. Manipulating policy stalls social mobility and reinforces stratification as many Russian migrants, most of whom are young and poor, cannot assimilate into cities like Moscow in order to take advantage of the economic and educational opportunities exclusively available there and nowhere else in the country. While Russia is unique in being a newly established democracy with a free market, similar processes also create and reproduce inequalities in the west. Thus, sociologists should explore how denying access to space and the unprecedented opportunity some places offer migrants limits social mobility thereby maintaining the social stratification hierarchy.     

Family Interventions in a Private Pediatric Practice1

The overwhelmingly positive response to a parent support and assistance program in a private pediatric office has been very gratifying (Mesibov, Schroeder, and Wesson, 1977). There have been several other positive offshoots of the program which had not been anticipated initially. One of these has been the identification of underlying marital and/or family problems of parents seeking advice about their children's behaviors. This is the main focus of this paper.     

Non-surgical cosmetic procedures: older women's perceptions and experiences

This paper analyzes findings from in-depth interviews with 44 women aged 50-70 regarding their perceptions of and experiences with non-surgical cosmetic procedures such as Botox injections, laser hair removal, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and injectable fillers. While 21 of the women had used a range of non-surgical cosmetic procedures, 23 women had not. The data are discussed in light of feminist theorizing on cosmetic surgery which has tended to ignore the experiences of older women and has been divided in terms of the portrayal of cosmetic surgery as either oppressive or liberating. We found that some of the women used the procedures to increase their physical attractiveness and self-esteem, others viewed the procedures as excessively risky, and still others argued that the procedures stemmed from the social devaluation of later life. Treatments that involved the alteration of the surface of the body tended to be viewed as less risky than the injection of foreign substances into the body.