The academic–vocational divide in three Nordic countries : implications for social class and gender

In this study we examine how the academic–vocational divide is manifested today in Finland, Iceland and Sweden in the division between vocationally (VET) and academicallyoriented programmes at the upper-secondary school level. The paper is based on a critical re-analysis of results from previous studies; in it we investigate the implications of this divide for class and gender inequalities. The theoretical lens used for the synthesis is based on Bernstein´s theory of pedagogic codes. In the re-analysis we draw on previous studies of policy, curriculum and educational praxis as well as official statistics. The main conclusions are that contemporary policy and curriculum trends in all three countries are dominated by a neo-liberal discourse stressing principles such as “market relevance” and employability. This trend strengthens the academic–vocational divide, mainly through an organisation of knowledge in VET that separates it from more general and theoretical elements. This trend also seems to affect VET students’ transitions in terms of reduced access to higher education, particularly in male-dominated programmes. We also identify low expectations for VET students, manifested through choice of textbooks and tasks, organisation of teacher teams and the advice of career counsellors.Peer reviewe

Synthesis of tricarbonyl derivatives of rhenium(I) with Group 16 donor atoms. Crystal and molecular structure of di-mu-bromo-mu-1,8-naphthalenedisulfide-bis(fac-tricarbonylrhenium(I))

The tetrahydrofuran adduct Re2Br2(CO)(6)(THF)(2) reacts with 1,8-naphthalenedisulfide (NDS) to give Re2Br2(CO)(6)(NDS), which crystallizes in the monoclinic system, space group P2(1)/c, with cell constants a=10.071(4), b=21.229(5), c=10.135(7) Angstrom; beta=105.73(5)degrees, and Z=4 molecules per unit cell. The final R value is 0.044 for 2035 data (Mo-K-alpha). The Re2Br2(CO)(6) fragment is the same as in all previously determined structures of this series, having bridging bromides and a fac tricarbonyl arrangement about each rhenium atom. The rhenium atoms are also bridged by the disulfide fragment of NDS forming two five-membered rings of composition Re-S-S-Re-Br. The fold angle across the Br ... Br vector is 29 degrees. The Re-Br distances are unequal, with the shorter distances to the bromine closer to the naphthalene fragment; this bromine is further from the S-S bridge than the other. The Re-S and S-C distances average 2.48 and 1.78 Angstrom, respectively, while the S-S bond is 2.16 Angstrom long. Both the Re-S-S-Re and C-S-S-C torsion angles are nearly 0 degrees, which is a significant distinction from the previously investigated structures of this type. The NDS ligand is significantly non-planar, and this may be due to steric repulsion from the nearby carbonyl groups. The dibenzyldisulfide and dibenzyldiselenide complexes Re-2(mu-I)(2)(CO)(6)(E(2)Bz(2)), E=S, Se, have been prepared starting from the same THF rhenium(I) precursor. The Se NMR data of the dibenzyldiselenide complex show a downfield shift of about 165 ppm with respect to the uncomplexed molecule under the same conditions. Bis(dimethylphosphine)ethane gives ReI(CO)(3)(Me(2)PCH(2)CH(2)PMe(2)); iodide abstraction from the latter by silver triflate gave Re(SO3CF3)(CO)(3)(Me(2)PCH(2)CH(2)PMe(2)), which is suggested to contain the monodentate triflato ligand

Health information: a case of saturation or 57 channels and nothing on?

The claim is made by many that we have reached a point where we are exposed to too much information. This potential phenomenon is particularly prominent in the health field where there is a suggestion that the volume of available information has increased significantly and more importantly that such volume has had detrimental effects on both the overall quality of such information and the ability of people to process and use it. This paper explores the nature and validity of these claims. Within the context of the notion of an `information society', it outlines a range of concerns that have been expressed in relation to this increase, including the simple problem of overload, the potential for less robust information to enter the system and thus the overall quality of available information to decline. This excess of information is seen to act against the benefits that are sought — information can be invalid and people may not have time to reflect and act on excessive information loads. This can result in irrationality or disinformation.<p></p> The suggestion is made, however, that these concerns are largely unsupported by empirical evidence and are potentially the basis of a panic over the entry of alternative perspectives on health. The pessimistic perspectives are thus balanced by more constructive and optimistic views on this growth and opening up of information production and potential consumption. Seeing information creation as organic and pluralistic, it is suggested that increased information volume can actually be a constructive phenomenon.<p></p> The paper concludes with the contention that it is unrealistic to expect a return to former circumstances of controlled and limited information flows. Rather, a series of more pragmatic suggestions is offered within existing circumstances, including differentiating between information rich and poor health areas, addressing structural issues like information access and health literacy, and working towards organizing health information so that it is of a high quality, is physically accessible, relevant to the needs and literacy of groups, and in a usable form