Surname analysis for estimating local concentration of Hispanics and Asians

Surname analysis is a potentially useful technique for identifying members of particular racial, ethnic, or language communities within a population. We review the existing state of the art for identifying persons of Hispanic or Asian origin, based on surnames distinctive of each group. We describe the logic of surname analysis, profile several available surname dictionaries, and illustrate their applications in local redistricting. Results of our ongoing validation studies suggest promising future directions for improving accuracy and broadening applications.This article is based on a paper presented at the annual Population Association of America meetings at Cincinnati, 1 April 1993.     

Three pseudo-paradoxes in ‘quantum’ decision theory: Apparent effects of observation on probability and utility

In quantum domains, the measurement (or observation) of one of a pair of complementary variables introduces an unavoidable uncertainty in the value of that variable's complement. Such uncertainties are negligible in Newtonian worlds, where observations can be made without appreciably disturbing the observed system. Hence, one would not expect that an observation of a non-quantum probabilistic outcome could affect a probability distribution over subsequently possible states, in a way that would conflict with classical probability calculations. This paper examines three problems in which observations appear to affect the probabilities and expected utilities of subsequent outcomes, in ways which may appear paradoxical. Deeper analysis of these problems reveals that the anomalies arise, not from paradox, but rather from faulty inferences drawn from the observations themselves. Thus the notion of quantum decision theory is disparaged.     

Predicting Future Commitment to Care for Frail Parents Among Employed Caregivers

A study of 133 full time employees with parent care responsibilities investigated various factors that could reduce this group's future caregiving commitment to aging parents. Study factors included: caregiver attributes, level of caregiving involvement, job stress, tensions between the caregiver and the dependent parent, caregiver's level of physical and mental strain, and limited support from family and friends. The relationship between the caregiver and the parent was the best predictor of sustained commitment to caregiving. One aspect of the employees' work experience made a small, but important contribution to respondents' future care plans. Those employees who frequently adjusted their work schedule and routine to accommodate parent care demands were less likely to sustain their caregiving commitment. Reasons for these findings are explored and implications for social policy and clinical practice are discussed.     

What are you thinking? Acculturation as an activating event for negative evaluative beliefs among Latinos/as

Negative evaluative beliefs and other cognitive structures have been tied to psychological distress across various populations but have not been sufficiently incorporated into acculturation models. The current study examines the relationships between acculturation and various activating events and mediating sources of support related to negative evaluative beliefs among people of Mexican descent (N = 319). Overall, model variables explained 26% of the variance in negative evaluative beliefs. Acculturation, marital commitment, and social capital associated with friends were negatively related to negative evaluative beliefs. Conversely, single relationship status, marital reward value, psychosocial stressors, and bridging social capital were positively related, and likely serve as activating events for negative evaluative beliefs. Identifying mechanisms related to psychological distress as well as supportive structures may help in constructing interventions that will address the specific needs of different groups. Future research should continue to explore appraisal and associated beliefs in acculturation models to understand why acculturative experiences may become stressful.     

Parenting in the Context of Deportation Risk

Nearly 5.1 million children younger than age 18 live with at least one undocumented parent, about 7% of the U.S. child population. Between 2010 and 2013, an estimated 300,000 parents of U.S. citizen children were deported. Raising children in the context of deportation risk increases overall parenting stress for undocumented Latino parents. To investigate this and understand the experience of undocumented parenting, the authors interviewed 70 undocumented parents in two Southwest cities from 2012 to 2013. The authors frame their analysis using the lens of the problem of “illegality.” There are three domains of stressors associated with parenting in the context of deportation risk: trapped parenting, threat of family separation, and altered family processes. The authors discuss these findings in the context of the literature on undocumented families and parenting stress and connect these findings to the current sociopolitical context experienced by Latino families in the United States .     

语境论的修正及其对怀疑论难题的解决

认识的语境论在回应怀疑论难题的过程中,出现了多种修正的形式,包括以相对标准修正的语境论,以事实作为原因修正的语境论,以妥协方式修正的语境论,以证据修正的语境论,以预设修正的语境论。这些不同形式的语境论遇到了"斑马悖论"和摩尔主义的反驳,但语境论者认为这两个反驳不一定有效,正是它们忽视了语境的作用,才导致悖论的出现,要解决怀疑论难题,还得回到特定语境中去。     

黄仁宇悖论与帝国逻辑——以科举制为线索

黄仁宇悖论描述了中华帝国组织形态松散关联但国家秩序坚韧稳定的矛盾特点。本文以科举制为线索,着眼于历史上中华帝国的观念制度来解读这一悖论,特别是这一松散关联组织形态的机制和过程。在中国历史上,科举制度提供了观念一体化的组织基础,导致了官僚体制内外正式与非正式制度的双向渗透和互构,国家与基层社会上下名与实的仪式性连接。这一观念制度提供了各地区、各层次间的同构性和相互关联,同时造就了一个松散关联的官僚组织。结束部分的“余论”指出,在当代中国,国家治理模式发生了重要转型,从观念一体化转向为组织一元化,为国家治理带来了一系列鲜明的特点和新的挑战。     

哈贝马斯和利奥塔现代性理论之比较

在哈贝马斯和利奥塔之间进行的关于现代性的争论颇具代表性,一个声称现代性是"一项未竟的事业",另一个则对元叙事表示质疑。哈贝马斯的"共识"理论和利奥塔的"差异"理论,表面上思维迥异,但实际上却包藏了雷同与巧合,具有差异性的同时也具有共通性。在深层次进行整合,寻找两者理论及政治倾向中蕴藏的共同点,利于剖析两者理论的合理与局限,使超越两者形成新的理论成为可能。