7,484 research outputs found

    Identifying and responding to people with mild learning disabilities in the probation service

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    It has long been recognised that, like many other individuals, people with learningdisabilities find their way into the criminal justice system. This fact is not disputed. Whathas been disputed, however, is the extent to which those with learning disabilities arerepresented within the various agencies of the criminal justice system and the ways inwhich the criminal justice system (and society) should address this. Recently, social andlegislative confusion over the best way to deal with offenders with learning disabilities andmental health problems has meant that the waters have become even more muddied.Despite current government uncertainty concerning the best way to support offenders withlearning disabilities, the probation service is likely to continue to play a key role in thesupervision of such offenders. The three studies contained herein aim to clarify the extentto which those with learning disabilities are represented in the probation service, toexamine the effectiveness of probation for them and to explore some of the ways in whichprobation could be adapted to fit their needs.Study 1 and study 2 showed that around 10% of offenders on probation in Kent appearedto have an IQ below 75, putting them in the bottom 5% of the general population. Study 3was designed to assess some of the support needs of those with learning disabilities in theprobation service, finding that many of the materials used by the probation service arelikely to be too complex for those with learning disabilities to use effectively. To addressthis, a model for service provision is tentatively suggested. This is based on the findings ofthe three studies and a pragmatic assessment of what the probation service is likely to becapable of achieving in the near future

    Victims' Access to Justice in Trinidad and Tobago: An exploratory study of experiences and challenges of accessing criminal justice in a post-colonial society

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    This thesis investigates victims' access to justice in Trinidad and Tobago, using their own narratives. It seeks to capture how their experiences affected their identities as victims and citizens, alongside their perceptions of legitimacy regarding the criminal justice system. While there have been some reforms in the administration of criminal justice in Trinidad and Tobago, such reforms have not focused on victims' accessibility to the justice system. Using grounded theory methodology, qualitative data was collected through 31 in-depth interviews with victims and victim advocates. The analysis found that victims experienced interpersonal, structural, and systemic barriers at varying levels throughout the criminal justice system, which manifested as institutionalized secondary victimization, silencing and inequality. This thesis argues that such experiences not only served to appropriate conflict but demonstrates that access is often given in a very narrow sense. Furthermore, it shows a failure to encompass access to justice as appropriated conflicts are left to stagnate in the system as there is often very little resolution. Adopting a postcolonial lens to analyse victims' experiences, the analysis identified othering practices that served to institutionalize the vulnerability and powerlessness associated with victim identities. Here, it is argued that these othering practices also affected the rights consciousness of victims, delegitimating their identities as citizens. Moreover, as a result of their experiences, victims had mixed perceptions of the justice system. It is argued that while the system is a legitimate authority victims' endorsement of the system is questionable, therefore victims' experiences suggest that there is a reinforcement of the system's legal hegemony. The findings suggest that within the legal system of Trinidad and Tobago, legacies of colonialism shape the postcolonial present as the psychology and inequalities of the past are present in the interactions and processes of justice. These findings are relevant for policymakers in Trinidad and Tobago and other regions. From this study it is recognized that, to improve access to justice for victims, there needs to be a move towards victim empowerment that promotes resilience and enhances social capital. Going forward it is noted that there is a need for further research

    The applied psychology of addictive orientations : studies in a 12-step treatment context.

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    The clinical data for the studies was collected at The PROMIS Recovery Centre, a Minnesota Model treatmentc entre for addictions,w hich encouragesth e membership and use of the 12 step Anonymous Fellowships, and is abstinence based. The area of addiction is contextualised in a review chapter which focuses on research relating to the phenomenon of cross addiction. A study examining the concept of "addictive orientations" in male and female addicts is described, which develops a study conductedb y StephensonM, aggi, Lefever, & Morojele (1995). This presents study found a four factor solution which appeared to be subdivisions of the previously found Hedonism and Nurturance factors. Self orientated nurturance (both food dimensions, shopping and caffeine), Other orientated nurturance (both compulsive helping dimensions and work), Sensation seeking hedonism (Drugs, prescription drugs, nicotine and marginally alcohol), and Power related hedonism (Both relationship dimensions, sex and gambling. This concept of "addictive orientations" is further explored in a non-clinical population, where again a four factor solution was found, very similar to that in the clinical population. This was thought to indicate that in terms of addictive orientation a pattern already exists in this non-clinical population and that consideration should be given to why this is the case. These orientations are examined in terms of gender differences. It is suggested that the differences between genders reflect power-related role relationships between the sexes. In order to further elaborate the significance and meaning behind these orientations, the next two chapters look at the contribution of personality variables and how addictive orientations relate to psychiatric symptomatology. Personality variables were differentially, and to a considerable extent predictably involved with the four factors for both males and females.Conscientiousness as positively associated with "Other orientated Nurturance" and negatively associated with "Sensation seeking hedonism" (particularly for men). Neuroticism had a particularly strong association with the "Self orientated Nurturance" factor in the female population. More than twice the symptomatology variance was explained by the factor scores for females than it was for males. The most important factorial predictors for psychiatric symptomatology were the "Power related hedonism" factor for males, and "Self oriented nurturance" for females. The results are discussed from theoretical and treatment perspectives

    The company she keeps : The social and interpersonal construction of girls same sex friendships

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    This thesis begins a critical analysis of girls' 'private' interpersonal and social relations as they are enacted within two school settings. It is the study of these marginal subordinated worlds productivity of forms of femininity which provides the main narrative of this project. I seek to understand these processes of (best) friendship construction through a feminist multi-disciplinary frame, drawing upon cultural studies, psychoanalysis and accounts of gender politics. I argue that the investments girls bring to their homosocial alliances and boundary drawing narry a psychological compulsion which is complexly connected to their own experiences within the mother/daughter bond as well as reflecting positively an immense social debt to the permissions girls have to be nurturant and ; negatively their own reproduction of oppressive exclusionary practices. Best friendship in particular gives girls therefore, the experience of 'monogamy' continuous of maternal/daughter identification, reminiscent of their positioning inside monopolistic forms of heterosexuality. But these subcultures also represent a subversive discontinuity to the public dominance of boys/teachers/adults in schools and to the ideologies and practices of heterosociality and heterosexuality. By taking seriously their transmission of the values of friendship in their chosen form of notes and diaries for example, I was able to access the means whereby they were able to resist their surveillance and control by those in power over them. I conclude by arguing that it is through a recognition of the valency of these indivisiblly positive and negative aspects to girls cultures that Equal Opportunities practitioners must begin if they are serious about their ambitions. Methods have to be made which enable girls to transfer their 'private' solidarities into the 'public' realm, which unquestionably demands contesting with them the causes and consequences of their implication in the divisions which also contaminate their lives and weaken them

    Disunity in society, fractures at home: family relating in the context of divisive socio-political issues

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    Section A A systematic literature review conducted to identify and explore research that has investigated adult intrafamilial relationships and divisive political issues since 2016. Ten papers are included in the review. The studies are critiqued using a mixed-methods risk of bias tool. Findings are collated using narrative synthesis. The synthesis focuses on relational responses—to divisive political issues—the potential reasons for these responses, and their consequences. Review findings are discussed in relation to previous theoretical and empirical literature. Finally, clinical and research implications are presented. Section B A grounded theory study to develop an understanding of adult intrafamilial invalidation in the context of social and political change. Brexit and COVID-19 serve as the contextual lens through which the phenomenon was observed. Data from 11 participants and 45 screening questionnaire respondents were analysed as part of the study. A model of family “Rejection of You” experiences is presented outlining foundational and contextual factors that frame the experience, the experience itself, and relational, behavioural, cognitive, and emotional consequences. Findings are discussed in relation to previous theory and previous empirical research. Clinical implications are considered and possible directions for future research are set out

    Challenging the "crime of silence": subsistence harms and their recognition within and beyond conventional law

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    Human existence determines that we are vulnerable not only to attacks on physical integrity, but also to harms which militate against the means of subsistence. Deprivations of subsistence needs in the form of attacks on homes, land, livelihoods and basic resources have been widely perpetrated throughout history and are a particularly significant feature of contemporary conflict and political repression. However, international law is yet to fully recognise these harms as a discrete form of injustice and thus to address them within the mechanisms of international criminal and transitional justice. The thesis defines deprivations of subsistence needs, when perpetrated with knowledge of the possible consequences of such attacks, as "subsistence harms". It argues that subsistence harms constitute a particular and devastating type of violence, which involves interrelated physical, mental and social harms and is inherently gendered. While the existing legal framework acknowledges some aspects of subsistence harms, the failure of law to understand them as discrete, yet also multifaceted, means that its approach remains partial and fragmented; often resulting in continued marginalisation or silencing of these harms. The thesis examines both the potential and the pitfalls of using international law to begin to fully recognise subsistence harms. It argues that international law could and should play an important role in promoting their recognition. Nevertheless, the thesis also problematises the role of law and draws on critical approaches, in order to analyse alternative understandings of harm and spaces for recognition; especially the praxis of non-governmental tribunals and of social movements. Although law can provide a language for recognition of harms, which can be drawn on by such movements, it also imposes barriers to recognition due to its narrow conceptions of harm and violence. The relationship between subsistence harms and legal recognition is therefore complex and thus requires much greater attention within legal discourse, if such harms are ever to be fully addressed

    Power in the health service : The effects of reorganisation on professions and bureaucracies

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    The National Health Service (NHS) has been analysed predominantly in terms dictated by a systems/functional model of organisational behaviour. Decision-making processes which did not comply with this model were regarded as pathological or dysfunctional. This study takes a different stance and looks at District Health Authorities (DHAs) to see if the NHS can be better understood by accepting Lukes' conception of a "third dimension of power". The study is not focussed around conflicts of interest because the third dimension of power involves situations in which "real" interests may remain unknown. Power may prevent conflicts becoming apparent and interests becoming realised. Because, however, Lukes had suggested that interests may become realised during periods of change, the study focusses on the restructuring which began with reorganisation of the NHS in 1982. The parts played by medical professionals, administrative staff, nursing staff, and lay-members on DHAs are examined and demonstrate the extent to which their activities were influenced by one another and by their external political environment, notably the Conservative government. The mechanisms of power used during the period 1982-1985 when new management structures were established and then replaced by a further reorganisation of management are examined. This shows the extent to which these new management changes became accepted as legitimate and how the legitimation process began with the 1982 reorganisation. Lukes' third dimension of power is confirmed as too restrictive a conception and that power is more subtle than even he had proposed. Nor is it always repressive or manipulative

    Iran-U.S. military-security relations in the 1970s

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    The subject of this dissertation is "Iran-U.S. Military-Security Relations in the 1970s". The dissertation consists of seven chapters and a conclusion. In the first chapter an attempt is made to layout the main factors which contribute to arms transfers in the international system, from the perspectives of both the donor and recipient states. Moreover, the impact of arms sales on third world societies are described in this same chapter. The second chapter deals with the historical evolution of Iran-U.S. military security ties, inception during the Second World War up to 1969. genesis and since their Discussion in the third chapter focuses on the main factors which determined the shape and pace of Iran-U.S. military-security ties in the 1970s, including that in the area of arms supply relationship. The exposition of capability in the chapter. the 1970s increase in is the main Iran's purpose order-of-combat of the fourth The main purpose of chapter five is the delineation of various debates within and between the various branches of U.S. government for or against Iran's arms purchases. Chapter six discusses Iran's regional security policy in the 1970s. The final chapter deals with the various contacts between members of the U.S. government and Iran's new revolutionary regime, from revolution's success in February 1979 up to the seizure of American embassy in November 1979, with the emphasis being on military-security dealings between the two countries. In the conclusion an attempt is made to draw from the past some broad lessons for Iran's security and, bearing in mind the material in chapter one, to highlight a few insights into arms transfer as a phenomena in the international system
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