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Beyond the Knowledge Economy: Social Circus as an Intersectional Avenue to Global Aesthetics and Universal Ethics
No full textWhile the Western world is a post-colonial society that attempts to guarantee an equal opportunity for success to all, objectives to uphold inclusion efforts in the primary education system often undermine the complexities of cultural histories and oppressions among individuals. The linear narrative of success and spiritual fulfillment, or the value we assign to our lives, in this society is one that often places economic surplus over the holistic development of the individual and of humanity. In disregarding cultural histories and the value of individual fulfillment, the Western world discredits the creative and communal potential of holistic art education in favor of capital capable subjects and class objectives. In this work, I advocate for a reevaluation of success and spiritual fulfillment in the Western world as well as the public education system. To move away from our knowledge economy I propose one solution that includes social circus education as an artistic avenue for developing spiritual fulfillment on the local, person level, as well as compassion on the global, humanity level. I utilize the work of dance scholar, Sherry Shapiro, who also calls for a reevaluation of the human value based on a global aesthetic that grounds humanity in the common desire for prosperity. I also expand on research theorist, Anna Carastathis, and her situational approach to oppression, provisional intersectionality, to foster meaningful art education.
Keywords: social circus, art education, intersectionality, neoliberalism, and ethic
Racial Bias in Traffic Stops: The City of Charlotte
No full textThis study analyzes the traffic stops data published by the City of Charlotte in the years 2016-2017 and 2019-2020 to determine if there was any racial bias in the policing. R was used to examine 213,475 stops that involved Black and White drivers. The analysis showed that Black drivers were more likely to be searched, and more likely to be let off with a lighter consequence (e.g., verbal warning). White drivers were more likely to get a citation while Black drivers were more likely to get arrested. When restricted to stops with searches, White drivers were more likely to be given a citation or arrested while Black drivers were more likely to be let off without action. These results are further skewed against Black males between the ages of 18-25. Implications are discussed. The R script and dataset are made available to facilitate reproducible research.
Keywords: traffic stops, police bias, statistics, datase
Effects of the Oral Contraceptive Pill: Psychological and Physiological Variables
No full textOral contraceptives are one of the most widely used contraceptives in the world. Multiple variations of the oral contraceptive pill (OCP) now exist with limited research examining the psychological impact they may have. The current study examined the psychological and physiological impact of three OCPs. Psychological and physiological variables in participants (N=84) were measured. Results found no significant effect on the psychological variables. An effect was observed in physiological variables; an increase in systolic blood pressure (SBP) on the fourth week of pill cycle (SBP) in those using Dianette and Ovranette. Similarly the purpose for which participants were using the OCP had an effect on SBP. This increase was also observed in diastolic blood pressure for the group who answered ‘other’. These findings in relation to week of pill cycle and SBP are particularly interesting and pave the way for further research.
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A Critique of Vibroacoustic Therapy for Physical and Mental Ailments
No full textVibroacoustic therapy (VAT) is a nonpharmacologic and noninvasive form of music therapy that uses furniture-like devices, such as physioacoustic chairs, to transmit low-frequency sound waves to the body. The vibrations are thought to regenerate cellular function of aging, injured, or stressed cells. In addition, music usually complements this form of treatment. However, there is much controversy regarding how VAT works. This paper is a critique of the existing literature published on VAT’s theories and experiments on specific patient populations, such as those with Parkinson’s Disease, to assess VAT’s role in improving muscle function and tone, reducing chronic pain, and alleviating depressive symptoms. The goal is to analyze the various research on VAT to discover ways to improve and encourage future studies in this area. It is likely that VAT has the potential to be a cost-effective supplement to medical treatment, but without the evidence, these conclusions cannot be made. This critique revealed several gaps in the literature and areas worthy of future research investment. Major limitations were found in published studies, but there is a high demand for greater longitudinal and controlled experiments
Political Orientation, Religiosity and Life Satisfaction: An exploratory investigation amongst Indians
No full textRecent advancements in positive psychology have led to an increase in the attention being paid to life satisfaction and subjective well-being. Research has been done on the relationship between political orientation, religiosity and life satisfaction in the western scenario but not much has been done about the subject in India. The aim of this paper was to establish a relationship between political orientation, religiosity and life satisfaction. The primary research included 101 respondents (male and female) in the age group of 40-65 who participated in the research. They were asked to complete the following measures: The 12-item social and economic conservatism scale (Everett, 2013), 20 item Dimensions of Religiosity scale (Joseph et al, 2007) and 5 item Satisfaction with Life Scale (Diener, 1985). It was hypothesized that (a) There will be a significant positive relationship between political conservatism and life satisfaction and (b) There will be a significant positive relationship between religiosity and life satisfaction. The results have been discussed in the light of the relevant literature
Seclusion and Restraint as a Last Resort Method: a Brief Report and Student Commentary
No full textThis paper will explore the use of seclusion and restraint and the possible impact it leaves on the consumers. The paper will begin by defining and explaining the use of seclusion and restraints, along with the impact of lasting effects it can have on the consumer. Research shows that this technique may cause emotional suffering, injury, and a lack of trust between the consumer and the practitioner moving forward. While there may be times when the practitioner deems seclusion and restraint necessary for safety concerns the negative impact cannot be ignored. For this reason, new techniques such as the The Engagement Model and the Violent Safety Program may be viable alternatives. If these alternative techniques were implemented by practitioners then there may be a reduction in the use of seclusion and restraints and therefore produce a more positive and productive treatment environment.
Keywords: seclusion, restraints, alternative techniques, consume
Chinese Facilitators’ Transformative Learning in a Community-Based SEL Study
No full textThis qualitative study focuses on three female facilitators and their narratives of participating in a community-based social and emotional learning (SEL) study in China. A combination of communities of practice and critical feminist pedagogy is used as theoretical framework. Narrative inquiry is applied to portray and make sense of each facilitator’s transformative learning experience. The dialogical space that is created by the study allows them to bring in their personal experiences and assists them in critically examining voice and silence in the current trend of SEL in China. The narratives provide a critical lens to re-examine the localization of Eurocentric SEL frameworks in the Chinese context as well as empower individual educators to become agents of change for social transformation. This study suggests an alternative framework based on interpreting social and emotional meanings in the local context to offer insights and critiques to the SEL global movement
The Use of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing in treating Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
No full textThis literature review examines previous research that assesses the therapeutic benefits of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) in individuals with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). EMDR provides an alternative treatment option for individuals with PTSD, who could experience additional psychological challenges with other treatment methods. This investigation synthesizes the results from previous literature reviews, practitioner reports, case studies, and experimental studies, in order to examine the possible therapeutic benefit of EMDR for clients with PTSD. The individuals mentioned in this study include children who have been exposed to natural disasters or violence, refugees, survivors of sexual assault, combat veterans, and individuals who have been previously diagnosed with another disorder in addition to their diagnosis of PTSD. Ultimately, the goal of this review is to stimulate further investigation into the merits of EMDR for a wide range of individuals who suffer from PTSD
Perceptions of School Disciplinary Measures
No full textPrevious research has shown a disparity in school discipline, with minority students being overrepresented in exclusionary discipline compared to their White peers. The implications of overrepresentation in exclusionary discipline appear to be detrimental. Using a mixed design, this study examined how participants perceived punishments for students of varying ethnicities (Black, White, and Hispanic) and genders (male and female). It also examined the role of participants’ ethnicities and genders on their perceptions of punishments for students of the same or different demographics. Data was collected from participants of varying ages, genders, and races. However, most participants were white females. Results found a significant difference in the amount of days of in-school suspension given to Black students. However, the results were inconclusive involving Hispanic students. No significant results were found involving gender and the amount of days of suspension. Additionally, participants’ own identities did not appear to play a role.  
Academic Resiliency Among African-American Males in Secondary Schools
No full textIn their effort to improve student achievement among low performing students, educators are implementing strategies that build resiliency and promote academic success. This study investigated the relationship between students’ perception of resiliency-building factors, in schools and their levels of academic resilience and academic achievement. The study used a correlational research methodology with a self-report survey to collect data. The sample (n = 107) consisted of African-American male students attending four high schools in a school district located in the southwest region of North Carolina. The results of the analysis show that a significant and positive correlation exists between academic resiliency and GPA. Also, the findings reveal that there is a relationship between the perception of resiliency-building factors and academic resiliency. Subsequent discussions include literature related to academic resilience and resiliency-building strategies, implications of the study, and recommendations for educators