Taking a stand: using psychoanalysis to explore the positioning of subjects in discourse

This paper is concerned with thinking through the cultural construction of personal identities whilst avoiding the classical social–individual division. Our starting point is the notion that there is no such thing as ‘the individual’, standing outside the social; however, there is an arena of personal subjectivity, even though this does not exist other than as already inscribed in the sociocultural domain. Our argument is that there are psychoanalytic concepts which can be helpful in exploring this ‘inscription’ and thus in explaining the trajectory of individual subjects; that is, their specific positioning in discourse. The argument is illustrated by data from a qualitative study of young masculinities, exploring the ways in which some individual boys take up positions in various degrees of opposition to the dominant ideology of ‘hegemonic’ masculinity

Investigating student memories of cross racial mixing in a postgraduate sociology class in a South African university

The paper reports on a pedagogic and research initiative which I introduced in apostgraduate sociology course on Youth, Childhood and Gendered Identities which I taughtat the University of KwaZulu-Natal. This involved students participating in CollectiveMemory Work: choosing, writing and telling a story in class relating to their youth orchildhoods (from their early to very recent years) about themes which were selected by theclass, and then collectively and critically reflecting on these. The aim of this initiative wasto explore and compare constructions and experiences of youth and childhood of differentmembers of the group. The paper focuses on stories students told on one of the selectedthemes: cross racial mixing. Four stories are selected for closer thematic and narrativeanalysis. The paper reports on the collective discussions which were held after all thestories had been read, and the kinds of questions raised in these about the shape, form andcontent of the different stories and the nature and status of memories

Technology Integration Experiences and Perceptions of Southeastern Secondary Teachers

This research examined secondary southeastern teachers’ experiences and perceptions of technology integration in the classroom. Two research questions guided this study: What are the experiences of South Carolina secondary high school teachers in technology-equipped classrooms? How do secondary high school teachers in southeastern schools perceive the process of integrating technology in their daily lessons? The study was conducted using the conceptual framework of Bruner (1961), Dewey (1910), Piaget (1970), and Vygotsky (1978). Constructivism suggests that individuals construct their knowledge and meaning through their experiences. Eight purposefully selected secondary teachers who used technology integration in their classrooms more than once participated in the study. These data were collected in two phases: semistructured interviews conducted in person, and member-checking face-to-face interviews. An inductive analysis model was used. Data were coded to identify patterns and themes using initial and pattern coding. Results indicated teachers had positive perceptions and experiences regarding technology integration. Teachers viewed technology integration as beneficial and necessary for students to employ 21st-century skills. Teachers also identified the need for technology-focused professional development, online resources, a supportive culture, and an established technology standard to achieve effective technology integration in the classroom

Schooling And The Drought In Zimbabwe: The Views And Reactions Of Primary School Senior Teachers

A ZBTE opinion surveyThis report presents the findings of a questionnaire survey carried out among a group of primary school senior teachers with at least 10 years teaching experience who attended an in-service course at Masvingo Teachers’ college in 1992. The survey sought their views about the effects of the drought on the demeanor, behavior and performance of pupils in their schools, and the measures, if any, which they had taken and would want Central Government to take to alleviate the problems their schools were experiencing as a result of the drought. According to the accounts of our respondents the impact of the drought on schooling was most serious in the rural areas. Respondents teaching in rural areas were more likely, than their urban counterparts, to report drought-related attitudinal and behavioral changes in pupils, curricular changes, higher absentee rates, higher proportions of children coming to school on empty stomachs and traveling long distances, and measures which the school had taken to alleviate the effects of the drought. Our respondents were unanimous in advocating forms of Government intervention, usually related to the setting up of supplementary-feeding schemes. This suggested that all our respondents, urban and rural, viewed the drought as having a negative impact on their schools, and potential solutions to the problem as being beyond the scope of local school or community based initiatives which This report presents the findings of a questionnaire survey carried out among a group of primary school senior teachers with at least 10 years teaching experience who attended an in-service course at Masvingo Teachers’ college in 1992. The survey sought their views about the effects of the drought on the demeanor, behavior and performance of pupils in their schools, and the measures, if any, which they had taken and would want Central Government to take to alleviate the problems their schools were experiencing as a result of the drought. According to the accounts of our respondents the impact of the drought on schooling was most serious in the rural areas. Respondents teaching in rural areas were more likely, than their urban counterparts, to report drought-related attitudinal and behavioral changes in pupils, curricular changes, higher absentee rates, higher proportions of children coming to school on empty stomachs and traveling long distances, and measures which the school had taken to alleviate the effects of the drought. Our respondents were unanimous in advocating forms of Government intervention, usually related to the setting up of supplementary-feeding schemes. This suggested that all our respondents, urban and rural, viewed the drought as having a negative impact on their schools, and potential solutions to the problem as being beyond the scope of local school or community based initiatives which 'lacked Government funding. Some indicated feelings of frustration with what they perceived as Government inactivity. Some reported feeling estranged from the community as a result of the drought, while others suggested that the drought had enhanced staff- community relations.'lacked Government funding. Some indicated feelings of frustration with what they perceived as Government inactivity. Some reported feeling estranged from the community as a result of the drought, while others suggested that the drought had enhanced staff- community relations

Special Issue Editorial: Youth, violence and equality: Perspectives on engaging youth toward social transformation

No Abstrac

North American Frontline Medical Care as Experienced on a Fifth Year Elective

When planning my elective I wished to experience Medicine in North America as it is often at the forefront of medical developments. This would also allow me to make comparisons with our National Health Service. I arranged a four week attachment in cardiology in Toronto and a similar period at Columbia University Hospital in New York in the Medical Emergency Room. As an undergraduate, no formal USMLE qualifications were required for elective periods at these locations, and in order to work in America all doctors must have these qualifications. As I do not intend to obtain this qualification this was the only opportunity for me to experience the healthcare system in North America from the inside

Effectiveness of Aquatic Physiotherapy in Clinical Practice

Current healthcare provision demands evidence of clinical effectiveness. Since 2007, The Measure Yourself Medical Outcome Profile (MYMOP2) questionnaire has been used in the Aquatic Physiotherapy (AP) Department at the Brighton and Sussex Universitiy Hospitals NHS trust since 2007. This service evaluation presents a snapshot of pre- and post- MYMOP2 scores for a 3-month period. All patients (n = 125) attending for AP between January and March 2012 completed a MYMOP2 before and after treatment. AP was given as per Aquatic Therapy Association of Chartered Physiotherapists Guidance on Good practice in Hydrotherapy. The MYMOP2 Profile score was calculated from the mean of the prepost differences of 4 item scores. The majority of patients had musculoskeletal conditions; mean age 56.8 years (SD: 16.5) and mean number of treatments was 5.21 (SD: 1.6). MYMOP2 profile score decreased in 90.8% of patients, signifying improvement. In real terms, there was a median and significant improvement of 1.5 points (IQR:-1.5) on the 7 point MYMOP2 profile score (p=0.0001). The majority of patients 77.3% met or exceeded “the index of responsiveness, relating to the minimal clinically important difference” of 0.85 Paterson (1996). The results demonstrate clinical effectiveness of AP for patients, who present with a diversity of conditions and provides real-world evidence of outcome. The MYMOP2 tool has been shown to be a feasible and responsive measure for use in AP

Pathways to gender equitable men: Reflections on findings from the International Men and Gender Equality survey in the light of twenty years of gender change in South Africa

This article reflects on the findings of the International Men and Gender Equality survey through the lens of contemporary South African contexts of change. While huge strides have been made toward gender justice in South Africa since 1994, there are many indications, including high rates of gender-based violence, that inequalities on the basis of gender intersected with other forms of inequality persist. Further, some research illustrates a growing resistance among men and women to gender justice policies and measures. The article argues that far more work is required in South Africa to shift both men and women's perceptions of the value of gender justice for boys and men, and in facilitating a more authentic investment for boys and men in their own and social change. It also points to how much of the current scholarship on men and boys focuses on "problems" that reproduces a negative construction of certain groups of boys and men that is also raced and classed. In taking stock of a lack of progress in twenty years of democracy and gender equality goals in South Africa, the article argues the importance of shifting emphasis to what may be seen as the "positive" moments of men's relationship to gender equality and justice. It argues that the findings of the survey point to the value of strategic engagement with and acknowledgment of existing participation of boys and men in alternative, equitable, and constructive practices, such as more active participation in caring practices.IS

Firbush 2001

Perhaps not content with the absence of climbing from the weekend activities several of the residents displayed their agility with a show of table mountaineering. Meanwhile Simon was determined that Andy enjoy a nocturnal swim in the lake. His lack of subtlety, approaching Andy brandishing a luggage strap perhaps gave him away and another Finch masterplan was foiled. As the windsurfers devised some masochistic game involving using newspaper clubs to beat each other I retired to my quarters.Firbush, situated on the south bank of Loch Tay, has been home to the University’s Centre for Sport and Exercise outdoor centre for around 30 years. The outward, moderate log cabin appearance masks a well furnished an equipped interior (no telly - but you can see a satellite picture of weather in Africa though!). It primarily caters for weekday reading parties and weekend clubs and societies. This weekend the RMS were joined by the windsurfing club