ijcs
Abstract : Can a Racist Society Produce and Sustain Just and Healthy Interracial Relationships? A Few South African Case Studies
|
|
|
Abstract: In this study the experiences, perceptions and challenges of being in a mixed-race relationship (M-R) are explored against the backdrop of previous South African pieces of legislation meant to keep the various race groups apart. The study is located within a conceptual framework predominantly informed by a constructivist approach, including some tenets from the social constructionist approach. For the purposes of this study, six cases of mixed-race couples consisting of black and white partners only were recruited through snowball sampling. The results of the study indicate that individuals found their involvement in M-R relationships to be a positive experience, and thus resulting in a positive attitude change and a sense of personal growth. However, M-R couples and their extended families experienced cognitive dissonance which required them to discard their previously internalised racial stereotypes. To do this, strategies such as cognitive differentiation, re-categorization and de-categorization were used. This enabled the couples and their families to attempt the shift toward non-racial socially constructed categories. Most of the challenges of being in M-R relationships were experienced on both the interpersonal and the inter-group levels. The losses, disadvantages, challenges, concerns and pains experienced by M-R couples were mainly related to family and social disapproval as well as general family and social efforts aimed at discouraging race mixing. Keywords: Interracial, relationships, social category, social contact, racial stereotypes and attitudes. |
Abstract : The Effect of Marijuana Legalization on Anticipated Use: A Test of Deterrence Theory
|
|
|
Abstract: Marijuana is the most frequently used illicit drug in the world (Erickson, Van Der Maas, and Hathaway, 2013:428). Here in the United States, public support for the legalization of marijuana for recreational use is substantial. With public support, both Colorado and Washington passed state initiatives in 2012 to legalize recreational use of marijuana for individuals aged 21 years and older. Even the federal government has recently reversed their initial position to continue to enforce federal drug laws within these states. With what appears to be increasingly liberal attitudes toward marijuana use and even toward legalization, some are concerned about what this may mean for drug use in America. To many, it appears obvious that with changing attitudes and more lenient policies, use of marijuana will increase and in turn exacerbate a host of individual and societal problems that marijuana use is thought to cause. The primary focus of this study examines the first part of these concerns: to what extent will marijuana use increase with these policy changes? Specifically, this research looks at what extent current abstainers of marijuana might use if it were legalized. Keywords: legalization, marijuana, deterrence theory, college marijuana use, Monitoring the Future. |
Abstract : A Three-dimensional Perspective on Wrongful Convictions in Israel: Organizational-Forensic, Psychosocial and Practical
|
|
Abstract: It is difficult to find an injustice committed against the citizen by the state that is greater than the conviction of an innocent person. At this stage, it may be tentatively stated that the phenomenon is not insignificant. This theoretical article describes the various aspects of the criminal justice system associated with the undesirable outcome of wrongful convictions. The paper reviews a series of organizational and forensic aspects that could bring about a bias in investigation of the legal truth. Furthermore, a number of psychosocial aspects relating to wrongful convictions, followed by practical aspects are described and discussed. It appears that on the practical level the phenomenon cries out for changes in the law enforcement system (e.g. implementation of the US Innocence Project or the biometric databank) and the need for empirical investigation. It appears that there is still a long way to go before a full understanding can be obtained of wrongful convictions and their prevention. One way or another, the authors are of the opinion that greater academic and public importance should be assigned to the question of wrongful convictions and perhaps turn the issue of truth and falsehood in criminal law into a theoretical and research field in its own right. Keywords: Wrongful conviction, criminal justice system, innocent people, false confessions.Download Full Article |
Abstract : Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder - A Pre Audit Study of the Pattern of Drug Treatment in a Specialist Community Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service in the UK
|
|
Abstract:Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neuro developmental disorder and a common disorder of childhood with functional impairments and a significant personal, family and psychosocial burden. This is a pre audit study of children and young people with ADHD who were referred to the Specialist Community Child and Adolescent Mental Health service in Calderdale, Halifax in East Yorkshire. The main aim of the pre audit study was to determine and study the pattern of drug treatment with psycho stimulant medication in the service as well to study the socio-demographic characteristics of the children and young people referred. This was a cross - sectional study. Twenty cases were randomly selected from the available records and data was extracted directly from the medical records using data sheets designed for the pre-audit study. Males constituted 85% of the study sample and Females 15%. Age group 9-12 constituted 65% of the sample. The modified release preparation of Ritalin was more commonly prescribed than the immediate release preparation. Some practical advantages and limitations of brands are highlighted. The initial findings are useful and would help to modify the data sheet for improved quality and help to set the ‘audit standards’ for the main audit study. This has clinical governance implications in terms of delivering the most expedient quality care in a Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service. Keywords: Audit, Adhd, Treatment, Psycho stimulants.Download Full Article |
