The prevalence and impact of online trolling of UK members of parliament

an article by Shazia Akhtar and Catriona M.Morrison (University of Bradford, UK) published in Computers in Human Behavior Volume 99 (October 2019)

Highlights

• A substantial proportion of UK MPs report being the victims of online trolling.
• Trolling is most common on the twitter platform.
• Male MPs report more concerns over reputational damage.
• Female MPs report more personal concerns, e.g., safety, risk to family, social life.

Abstract

Online trolling is a new phenomenon that is increasingly coming to public attention. Recent events in the United Kingdom (UK) have raised concerns about this behaviour.

Trolling is particularly targeted at public figures, and Members of Parliament (MPs) are a prime target.

In this study we surveyed UK MPs about their experiences and the impact of being trolled by completing a short online questionnaire.

One-hundred and eighty-one MPs responded to our survey. Chi-square tests for independence and one-way ANOVA was employed to analyse the data.

All MPs had experienced trolling and many were trolled multiple times a day, and the principal platforms for this abuse were Twitter and Facebook. The pattern of trolling varied between male and female targets, with males reporting more concern about reputational damage, and females more concern about their personal safety. The impact of being trolled varied between males and females, with a much greater impact on female MPs. We discuss the effects of online trolling on the victims of this behaviour.

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Childhood Neglect and the Impact of Invalidation

a post by Rebecca Lee for the World of Psychology blog



What happens when “nothing” happens? A lot. Childhood and adolescent neglect can have a profound and lasting impact on adults. Unlike sexual and physical abuse, some may find it difficult to understand the impact that absence had on their life. While neglect is a form of abuse, since the “action” of the crime is the lack thereof, identifying the problem may be tricky.

What is neglect?

• Failure to provide basic needs such as food, supervision, and shelter
• Allowing a child to use alcohol or drugs
• Failure to educate a child/provide schooling
• Failure to provide medical attention

Aside from basic survival, one need that frequently arises when a parent is not physically or emotionally available, is the need to be validated. When there is no one around, how does a child know they “count”? How do they know their feelings matter or if they even exist?

Continue reading

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The impact of National Qualifications Frameworks: by which yardstick do we measure dreams?

an article by Nick Pilcher (Edinburgh Napier University, UK), Scott Fernie (Loughborough University, UK) and Karen Smith (University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK) published in Journal of Education and Work Volume 30 Issue 1 (2017)

Abstract

National Qualifications Frameworks (NQFs) are a global phenomenon. This is evidenced by their scale, coverage and intrinsic link with education policy across Europe and beyond. Research into their impact has encompassed a number of perspectives; theoretical, practical and evaluative.

Yet, despite the existence of critical literature related to the development, design and impact of NQFs, little research has questioned the actual feasibility of researching the ‘impact’ of NQFs per se.

The arguments in this paper position such research as both unfeasible and futile: a dream for which it is impossible to identify a suitable yardstick to measure. We base our argument around three broad themes: linguistics and semantics; homogeneity; and methodological complexity.

Around these themes, we aim to show why such research has proved problematic and, in doing so, contribute to the field as it explores the impact of NQFs in the future.

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Understanding the place based social value created by new-start social enterprises: evidence from ten rural UK communities

an article by Chris Dayson (Sheffield Hallam University) published in People, Place & Policy Online Volume 7 Issue 1 (2013)

Summary

Social enterprise, characterised by organisations enacting a hybrid mix of non-profit and for-profit characteristics, is increasingly regarded as an important component in the regeneration of areas affected by social and economic deprivation. In parallel there has been growing academic, practitioner and policy interest in “social value” and “social impact” within the broader “social economy”.

This paper engages with these debates through analysis of resident perceptions of the social value created by National Lottery funded new-start social enterprise projects in ten rural UK communities.

In particular it considers what can be learnt about the relationship between different approaches to social enterprise activity in rural contexts and the social value created for local people and communities.

Full text (PDF 16pp)

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Valuing the social? The nature and controversies of measuring social return on investment (SROI)

an article by Malin Arvidson, Fergus Lyon, Stephen McKay and Domenico Moro (affiliation(s) not provided) published in Voluntary Sector Review Volume 4 Number 1 (March 2013)

Abstract

The concept of “social return on investment” (SROI) has come to play an important role in debates about how social enterprises and charities conceptualise, measure and communicate their achievements.

In this paper we analyse the nature and role of SROI as used in the United Kingdom for impact assessment of such organisations.

The paper offers insight into methodological and procedural aspects of the framework.

Key issues explored include the quantification of benefits, the valuing of volunteering and the ways in which judgement and discretion are exercised. There is a particular tension between the participatory element in the design of each SROI exercise and its use for the purpose of competition.

The paper concludes by proposing a research agenda that includes an examination of the context in which discretion and judgement are applied and the use and usefulness of SROI in the new policy and funding environment in which third sector organisations currently find themselves.

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An expanded model of careers professional identity: time for change?

an article by Deirdre Hughes (Institute for Employment Research,Warwick University, UK) published in British Journal of Guidance and Counselling Volume 41 Number 1 (February 2013)

Abstract

The careers profession is challenged significantly by government, employers and potential consumers to articulate its added value to society.

Neoliberal discourses such as privatisation, deregulation, flexicurity and a self-help culture are impacting upon arrangements for the design and delivery of all-age careers provision across the UK.
In this article, a UK-wide alliance designed to reconceptualise professional formation and identity is examined and critiqued.

Findings from experiences in England illuminate the necessity for credible and authentic professional reconstruction. This is challenging work, where boundary maintenance is contested and disconnect with employer networks is prevalent.

The article concludes that there is a need for strong leadership and more collective efforts to harness and secure careers professionals’ identity and impact.

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