Redfame Publishing: E-Journals
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Gun Laws and Crime: An Empirical Assessment
Full text linkThis paper deals with the effect of gun laws on crime. Several empirical analyses are carried to investigate the relationship between five different crime rates and alternative law variables. The tests are based on cross-section data from US sates. Three different law variables are used in the analysis together with a set of control variables for income, poverty, unemployment and ethnic background of the population. Empirical analysis does not lend support to the notion that crime laws would affect the crime rates. The results seem to be the same for all five crime categories that are analyzed in the paper
Space to Think: Using Metaphor to Expand Public Thinking about Criminal Justice Reform
Full text linkMetaphor is a vital feature of human cognition that is used both in making and creating meaning. As such, it can play a central role in multiple aspects of communication. In this paper, we synthesize theories of metaphor, culture and framing and argue that metaphors can be designed and tested to serve instrumental functions in communications practice. We discuss and explore this theory through a case study approach — presenting an iterative, multi-method research project that was conducted as part of a larger effort designed to reframe criminal justice reform and expand public discourse on this issue. Through this case study, we synthesize and apply several bodies of theory and offer a methodology for studying metaphors as a communication device. We argue for the power of metaphors as tools in effective communications practice
Understanding Experiences of Sexuality with Cerebral Palsy through Sexual Script Theory
Full text linkThis study explored how people with cerebral palsy (CP) negotiated and perceived their sexual interactions with others. In doing so, this research discusses participant conceptualizations of sexuality with CP. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with two women and five men with moderate to severe cerebral palsy from Canada and Australia. The interview discourse focused on how, if at all, interactional constructions of sexuality influenced the way in which participants expressed and negotiated their sexuality. Interview data were thematically analyzed using NVivo and manual line-by-line analysis. Negotiated sexuality with partners, and communication styles influenced understandings of sexuality with CP. Partner validation was important to participant understanding sexuality as was the style and quality of communication about sexuality between sexual partners. Sexuality was meaningful with a sense of closeness, experiences of affection and reciprocity. Personal sexual agency enabled negotiation of preferred sexuality as did perceived levels of socio-sexual compatibility. The findings confirm that sexuality is socially negotiated. For people with CP personal agency yields more satisfying socio-sexual outcomes. In this regard, the ability to make (and exercise) choice when negotiating interactional sexual experiences reinforces conceptualizations of oneself as a sexual being and sexual equal
Children's Facebook Usage: Parental Awareness, Attitudes and Behavior
Full text linkThe study aims to focus on parental awareness, attitudes and behavior regarding children's use of the world's largest social network - Facebook. Data were obtained from 195 Israeli parents, Jews and Arabs whose children are above and under the age of 13 (official age to start registration to Facebook). Analyses included variance analyses, correlations, and regressions. The results indicated that parents have moderate to low levels of awareness, involvement, and monitoring in their children's Facebook usage. However significant differences were found between mothers and fathers, as mothers expressed less positive attitudes toward Facebook and greater need for guidance than fathers. Arab parents expressed higher levels of monitoring and of need for guidance than Jews. Our findings highlight the need for usage regulation and for guidance for parents in order to help them direct their children toward safe and responsible use of the internet