He Is Not a Monster : Himpathy and Sexual Assault

Himpathy occurs when privileged men accused of sexual assault or harassment receive extra attention and sympathy (Manne 2018, 2020). While himpathy is closely associated with the #MeToo movement, little research has explicitly explored this concept. In this review, we explore the literatures on rape myths, victim blaming and attributions, detailing the empirical work that provides support for the theoretical claims of himpathy. Sexual violence is a widespread problem, and as such, it is important to understand himpathy may underlie how the numerous (male) perpetrators of these crimes are able to reframe the allegations against them

Phylogeny of Holocacista capensis (Lepidoptera: Heliozelidae) from Vineyards and Natural Forests in South Africa Inferred from Mitochondrial and Nuclear Genes

In South Africa, the family Heliozelidae in the order Lepidoptera is restricted to four known species.  The grapevine leaf miner, Holocacista capensis, feeds between the epidermal layers of a grapevine leaf,predominantly along the leaf margin. A final instar larva will descend from the blotch mine/gallery to attach its cocoon casing (constructed from the epidermal layers of the mined gallery) to any object belowthe infested leaf. Five monophyletic clades and a polyphyletic group have been identified within the Heliozelidae, using a mitochondrially encoded gene cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) and a nuclear gene,histone 3 (H3). An exploratory study of the genetic diversity within H. capensis populations was conducted using these genes. The phylogenetic analyses of COI indicate that H. capensis that are currently beingcollected from South Africa fall within three clades/haplotypes, of which one is well supported and contains only one species from Gauteng, and one has three specimens from two different areas in the Western Capeprovince, while 80% belong to haplotype 1 (H1). The current study can be used as a starting point for future DNA-based studies aimed at gaining insight into possible patterns of diversity in H. capensis toconfirm switching from native to commercial grapevine hosts. However, more samples need to be collected from different areas in South Africa

Beyond prejudice: Are negative evaluations the problem and is getting us to like one another more the solution?

This is a post print version of an article published in Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 2012, 35 (6), pp 438-439 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S0140525X12001252 Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2012For most of the history of prejudice research, negativity has been treated as its emotional and cognitive signature, a conception that continues to dominate work on the topic. By this definition, prejudice occurs when we dislike or derogate members of other groups. Recent research, however, has highlighted the need for a more nuanced and ‘inclusive’ (Eagly 2004) perspective on the role of intergroup emotions and beliefs in sustaining discrimination. On the one hand, several independent lines of research have shown that unequal intergroup relations are often marked by attitudinal complexity, with positive responses such as affection and admiration mingling with negative responses such as contempt and resentment. Simple antipathy is the exception rather than the rule. On the other hand, there is mounting evidence that nurturing bonds of affection between the advantaged and the disadvantaged sometimes entrenches rather than disrupts wider patterns of discrimination. Notably, prejudice reduction interventions may have ironic effects on the political attitudes of the historically disadvantaged, decreasing their perceptions of injustice and willingness to engage in collective action to transform social inequalities. These developments raise a number of important questions. Has the time come to challenge the assumption that negative evaluations are inevitably the cognitive and affective hallmarks of discrimination? Is the orthodox concept of prejudice in danger of side-tracking, if not obstructing, progress towards social justice in a fuller sense? What are the prospects for reconciling a prejudice reduction model of change, designed to get people to like one another more, with a collective action model of change, designed to ignite struggles to achieve intergroup equality

'The drugs did for me what I couldn’t do for myself’: A qualitative exploration of the relationship between mental health and amphetamine-type stimulant (ATS) use

Substance use and mental ill health constitute a major public health burden, and a key global policy priority is to reduce illicit and other harmful substance use. Amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS) are the second most used class of illicit drugs and a range of mental health issues have been documented amongst users. This paper explores the relationship between mental health and ATS use, through a thematic analysis of qualitative interviews with n=18 current and former ATS users in England. The findings are presented by trajectory point of; (1) Initiation of ATS use; (2) continued and increased ATS use; and (3) decreased and remitted ATS use. This work helps to develop understanding around the complex and bidirectional relationship between ATS use and mental health. Many ATS users lead chaotic lives and engage in multiple risk behaviours; however, there is a need to better understand and conceptualise the dynamic interaction between different individual, social, environment and cultural factors that determine individuals’ mental health and substance use. There is no ‘one size fits all’ approach to prevention and treatment, and these findings highlight the need for more joined-up, tailored, and holistic approaches to intervention development