Neighbourhood Income Inequality in Canadian Cities
an article by Wen-Hao Chen and Garnett Picot (Research Branch, Statistics Canada, Ottawa) and John Myles (University of Toronto, Ontario) published in Urban Studies Volume 49 Number 4 (March 2012)
Abstract
Higher-income neighbourhoods in Canada’s eight largest cities flourished economically during the past quarter-century, while lower-income communities stagnated. This paper identifies some of the underlying processes that led to this outcome.
Increasing family income inequality drove much of the rise in neighbourhood inequality.
Increased spatial economic segregation, the increasing tendency of ‘like to live nearby like’, also played a role.
It is shown that these changes originated in the labour market. Changes in investment, pension income and government transfers played a very minor role. Yet it was not unemployment that differentiated the richer from poorer neighbourhoods. Rather, it was the type of job found, particularly the annual earnings generated.
The end result has been little improvement in economic resources in poor neighbourhoods during a period of substantial economic growth, and a rise in neighbourhood income inequality.
Tuesday, 3 April 2012
Monday, 2 April 2012
Age and first destination employment from UK universities: are mature students disadvantaged?
an article by Ruth Woodfield (University of Sussex, Brighton) published in Studies in Higher Education Volume 36 Number 4 (June 2011) [NB: Despite being nearly a year old I thought this worthy of inclusion]
Abstract
This article analyses a recent cohort (2006) of UK graduates, and explores the previously neglected relationship between age and post-degree employment. Much work on mature students assumes their overall experience to be one of disadvantage relative to traditional-age graduates, and this includes employability research.
Here, mature students are demonstrated to be advantaged in the graduate labour market through analysis of a wide range of variables and employment success measures, utilised to produce a detailed set of findings that augment previous understanding.
Mature graduates, regardless of whether they studied part- or full-time, secured paid work, graduate-level work, and a higher salary more frequently. Key mediating factors in their success include being a woman science student and having a history of previous employment with their post-degree employer.
The relative employment success of mature students could not, however, be explained simply as a result of them already being in pre-degree graduate-level jobs.
Abstract
This article analyses a recent cohort (2006) of UK graduates, and explores the previously neglected relationship between age and post-degree employment. Much work on mature students assumes their overall experience to be one of disadvantage relative to traditional-age graduates, and this includes employability research.
Here, mature students are demonstrated to be advantaged in the graduate labour market through analysis of a wide range of variables and employment success measures, utilised to produce a detailed set of findings that augment previous understanding.
Mature graduates, regardless of whether they studied part- or full-time, secured paid work, graduate-level work, and a higher salary more frequently. Key mediating factors in their success include being a woman science student and having a history of previous employment with their post-degree employer.
The relative employment success of mature students could not, however, be explained simply as a result of them already being in pre-degree graduate-level jobs.
Towards a reconceptualization of the ‘information worlds of individuals’
an article by Liangzhi Yu (Nankai University, China) published in Journal of Librarianship and Information Science Volume 44 Number 1 (March 2012)
Abstract
The term ‘information world’ has been widely used by LIS scholars in a rather cursory manner. Building upon a range of existing concepts in LIS literature, and drawing on evidence from interviews of 40 people of different social statuses, this paper offers a redefinition of the ‘information worlds of individuals’ concept within the framework of three definitional elements:
Through such a reconceptualization, this study aims to enhance the term’s analytical utility for such issues as information poverty, information inequality and information behaviour.
In particular, it hopes to offer a broader conceptual basis for information inequality analysis than that based on information access; it also hopes to help bridge the divided perspectives on work-related information behaviour and everyday life information-seeking behaviour when an integrated approach is called for.
Abstract
The term ‘information world’ has been widely used by LIS scholars in a rather cursory manner. Building upon a range of existing concepts in LIS literature, and drawing on evidence from interviews of 40 people of different social statuses, this paper offers a redefinition of the ‘information worlds of individuals’ concept within the framework of three definitional elements:
- substance or contents,
- dimensional boundaries and
- dynamic for change.
Through such a reconceptualization, this study aims to enhance the term’s analytical utility for such issues as information poverty, information inequality and information behaviour.
In particular, it hopes to offer a broader conceptual basis for information inequality analysis than that based on information access; it also hopes to help bridge the divided perspectives on work-related information behaviour and everyday life information-seeking behaviour when an integrated approach is called for.
Service learning and active citizenship education in England
An article by Lee Jerome (London Metropolitan University) published in Education, Citizenship and Social Justice Volume 7 Number 1(March 2012)
Abstract
This article compares the English tradition of active citizenship education with the US tradition of service learning. It starts by outlining service learning and noting some of the defining characteristics as well as some of the tensions. It then discusses the model of active citizenship that has been promoted in England’s secondary school curriculum, considering how this has been defined and how it has been implemented.
The two traditions are then compared to highlight the substantial areas of overlap between the two models, sharpen some of the distinctions and consider why there have been limited connections between them in practice.
This discussion raises several issues that link to foundational questions about the nature, scope and purpose of citizenship education which are discussed in relation to the changed political context in England after the establishment of the coalition government.
Abstract
This article compares the English tradition of active citizenship education with the US tradition of service learning. It starts by outlining service learning and noting some of the defining characteristics as well as some of the tensions. It then discusses the model of active citizenship that has been promoted in England’s secondary school curriculum, considering how this has been defined and how it has been implemented.
The two traditions are then compared to highlight the substantial areas of overlap between the two models, sharpen some of the distinctions and consider why there have been limited connections between them in practice.
This discussion raises several issues that link to foundational questions about the nature, scope and purpose of citizenship education which are discussed in relation to the changed political context in England after the establishment of the coalition government.
Are Cyberbullies really bullies? An investigation of reactive and proactive online aggression
an article by Danielle M. Law, Jennifer D. Shapka and Monique H. Gagné (The University of British Columbia, Vancouver) and José F. Domene (University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, Canada) published in Computers in Human Behavior Volume 28 Issue 2 (March 2012)
Abstract
Cyberbullying, or online aggression, is an issue of increasing concern, however, little research has been conducted on the motivations underlying this form of aggression.
Using a mixed-method approach, by means of survey and interview data, we explored whether online aggressive acts were motivated by proactive (intentionally aggressing to obtain a resource or a goal), and/or reactive (aggression that occurs in reaction to provocation) reasons.
Participants for the survey portion of the study included 733 adolescents between the ages of 10 and 18, while a subset of 15 adolescents participated in semi-structured interviews. Factor analysis revealed that, in contrast to traditional forms of bullying, adolescents do not identify themselves according to the role they played in an internet aggressive situation (i.e. bully, victim, witness), but according to the method of aggression they used (i.e. sending mean messages, posting embarrassing photos, and developing hostile websites).
More interestingly, regression analyses demonstrated that motivations for aggressing online also varied according to method of aggression rather than role. For example, adolescents who chose to aggress by posting mean messages or posting embarrassing photos were more likely to do so for reactive reasons, while adolescents who spent time creating hostile websites did so for proactive reasons.
Abstract
Cyberbullying, or online aggression, is an issue of increasing concern, however, little research has been conducted on the motivations underlying this form of aggression.
Using a mixed-method approach, by means of survey and interview data, we explored whether online aggressive acts were motivated by proactive (intentionally aggressing to obtain a resource or a goal), and/or reactive (aggression that occurs in reaction to provocation) reasons.
Participants for the survey portion of the study included 733 adolescents between the ages of 10 and 18, while a subset of 15 adolescents participated in semi-structured interviews. Factor analysis revealed that, in contrast to traditional forms of bullying, adolescents do not identify themselves according to the role they played in an internet aggressive situation (i.e. bully, victim, witness), but according to the method of aggression they used (i.e. sending mean messages, posting embarrassing photos, and developing hostile websites).
More interestingly, regression analyses demonstrated that motivations for aggressing online also varied according to method of aggression rather than role. For example, adolescents who chose to aggress by posting mean messages or posting embarrassing photos were more likely to do so for reactive reasons, while adolescents who spent time creating hostile websites did so for proactive reasons.
National Careers Service: Launches 5 April 2012
Just in case it had escaped your notice: Skills Minister John Hayes has confirmed that he will be officially launching the service on Thursday, 5 April.
The Skills Funding Agency’s Update publication of 28 March says:
The Skills Funding Agency’s Update publication of 28 March says:
The launch will be marked by a whole host of marketing and communications activities, including:
This will be complimented by regional launch activities held across the country by National Careers Service Prime Contractors to reinforce the nationally-led activities and amplify the launch of the service.
- a radio campaign featuring the ‘voice’ of The X Factor, Peter Dickson, and football commentator, Clive Tyldesley, that will air across national, regional and local stations in April and early May
- social media activity, including a National Careers Service Facebook page and
Twitter account campaign- a comprehensive public relations campaign.
Sunday, 1 April 2012
10 stories and links I think are educative, informative, entertaining, or weird
10 Facts about Lewis Carroll via Reading Copy Book Blog by Richard Davies
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland is a book that is timeless. It has had the same effect on young readers for generations – it really doesn't matter whether it’s 1912 or 2012. The characters are so strong and so memorable.
But what about the author? What is the story behind Lewis Carroll? A man who loved puzzles and mathematics, and didn't even put this real name to this famous book.
Watch our video and learn 10 facts about Carroll and the things that made him tick.
Read more about Lewis Carroll.
Arts & Letters Daily – ideas, criticism, debate
Other people’s beliefs. Religion is useful hokum, says Alain de Botton, because it keeps the masses in line. True? Perhaps. Patronizing? Definitely... more
Philip K. Dick: 30 years gone, and a PKD festival! via Boing Boing by David Pescovitz
Total Dick-Head’s David Gill reminds us that 30 years ago today, science fiction author Philip K. Dick “disconnected”. Public Radio International’s “To The Best Of Our Knowledge” has posted a great selection of interviews about the man whose entire life and work questioned the nature of reality. Hear from Gill along with Umberto Rossi, Anne Dick, and Jonathan Lethem. To The Best of Our Knowledge: Philip K. Dick
In other PKD news, the 2012 Philip K. Dick Festival is scheduled for September 22-23 in San Francisco!
James Dyson: Good Engineering Is Essential via Big Think by Orion Jones
Calling a product “green” has become a powerful marketing tool. But all too often, says British inventor James Dyson, such environmental claims are a gimmick hidden behind lazy engineering. Perhaps best known for his Dyson vacuum cleaner, Dyson says most companies simply install smaller motors into mechanical devices and then make energy-saving claims.
Read More
Arts & Letters Daily – ideas, criticism, debate
Plato was right: Some of us long to be warriors. Brutality will always have its moment. But do sports keep aggression in check or encourage violence?... more
Should We Be Revolutionaries? via Big Think by Jeffrey Israel
What if everyday life as I know it is irredeemably complicit in injustice? If this is the case, then does justice not demand that everyday life be overturned? These are haunting questions, particularly given the premise of this blog: that it is worth attuning oneself to what is sanctified in everyday life.
Read More
André Studios 1930-1941: Fashion Drawings & Sketches (USA) via Peter Scott’s Library Blog by Peter Scott
After two years of planning, the Picture Collection of the New York Public Library and the Special Collections & FIT Archives of the Fashion Institute of Technology Library have recently started a digital archive of fashion drawings and sketches by André Fashion Studios. The collection, André Studios 1930-1941: Fashion Drawings & Sketches in the Collections of the Fashion Institute of Technology and the New York Public Library, includes more than 5,000 original drawings.
Arts & Letters Daily – ideas, criticism, debate
The internet, says John Brockman, is the “infinite oscillation of our collective conscious interacting with itself, adding a fuller, richer dimension to what it means to be human”... more
Mayan God via How-To Geek by Asian Angel
In this game the end of your home world is near, so you must embark on a quest to evolve beyond your own mortality and escape to a new home through the mystic gateway. Will you succeed or will you perish with your home world?
Asian Angel’s walk-through is here or you can go straight to the game here
The Fool’s Head Map: a Fossil of the Financial Bubbles of 1720 via Big Think by Frank Jacobs
For better or worse, there is little new under the sun . The real estate bubble that burst in 2008 and kicked off the world economy’s present anaemic state, may seem like fresh horror to many. But it is only the latest example of a basic economic principle: what goes up, tends to go up too high, and will then inevitably come crashing down.
Read More
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland is a book that is timeless. It has had the same effect on young readers for generations – it really doesn't matter whether it’s 1912 or 2012. The characters are so strong and so memorable.
But what about the author? What is the story behind Lewis Carroll? A man who loved puzzles and mathematics, and didn't even put this real name to this famous book.
Watch our video and learn 10 facts about Carroll and the things that made him tick.
Read more about Lewis Carroll.
Arts & Letters Daily – ideas, criticism, debate
Other people’s beliefs. Religion is useful hokum, says Alain de Botton, because it keeps the masses in line. True? Perhaps. Patronizing? Definitely... more
Philip K. Dick: 30 years gone, and a PKD festival! via Boing Boing by David Pescovitz
Total Dick-Head’s David Gill reminds us that 30 years ago today, science fiction author Philip K. Dick “disconnected”. Public Radio International’s “To The Best Of Our Knowledge” has posted a great selection of interviews about the man whose entire life and work questioned the nature of reality. Hear from Gill along with Umberto Rossi, Anne Dick, and Jonathan Lethem. To The Best of Our Knowledge: Philip K. Dick
In other PKD news, the 2012 Philip K. Dick Festival is scheduled for September 22-23 in San Francisco!
James Dyson: Good Engineering Is Essential via Big Think by Orion Jones
Calling a product “green” has become a powerful marketing tool. But all too often, says British inventor James Dyson, such environmental claims are a gimmick hidden behind lazy engineering. Perhaps best known for his Dyson vacuum cleaner, Dyson says most companies simply install smaller motors into mechanical devices and then make energy-saving claims.
Read More
Arts & Letters Daily – ideas, criticism, debate
Plato was right: Some of us long to be warriors. Brutality will always have its moment. But do sports keep aggression in check or encourage violence?... more
Should We Be Revolutionaries? via Big Think by Jeffrey Israel
What if everyday life as I know it is irredeemably complicit in injustice? If this is the case, then does justice not demand that everyday life be overturned? These are haunting questions, particularly given the premise of this blog: that it is worth attuning oneself to what is sanctified in everyday life.
Read More
André Studios 1930-1941: Fashion Drawings & Sketches (USA) via Peter Scott’s Library Blog by Peter Scott
After two years of planning, the Picture Collection of the New York Public Library and the Special Collections & FIT Archives of the Fashion Institute of Technology Library have recently started a digital archive of fashion drawings and sketches by André Fashion Studios. The collection, André Studios 1930-1941: Fashion Drawings & Sketches in the Collections of the Fashion Institute of Technology and the New York Public Library, includes more than 5,000 original drawings.
Arts & Letters Daily – ideas, criticism, debate
The internet, says John Brockman, is the “infinite oscillation of our collective conscious interacting with itself, adding a fuller, richer dimension to what it means to be human”... more
Mayan God via How-To Geek by Asian Angel
In this game the end of your home world is near, so you must embark on a quest to evolve beyond your own mortality and escape to a new home through the mystic gateway. Will you succeed or will you perish with your home world?
Asian Angel’s walk-through is here or you can go straight to the game here
The Fool’s Head Map: a Fossil of the Financial Bubbles of 1720 via Big Think by Frank Jacobs
For better or worse, there is little new under the sun . The real estate bubble that burst in 2008 and kicked off the world economy’s present anaemic state, may seem like fresh horror to many. But it is only the latest example of a basic economic principle: what goes up, tends to go up too high, and will then inevitably come crashing down.
Read More
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