Suchergebnisse

Globalization processes are putting pressure on traditional modes of democratic social action and rendering some ineffective. How does grassroots activists' knowledge of globalization influence their strategies for working toward community change? This article draws on a qualitative analysis of 24 in‐depth interviews with activists and community organizers in the Midwestern United States to identify their perspectives on globalization, the local impacts and challenges that globalization creates, and the strategic adaptations of models for community organizing and local activism in the contemporary global era. We found that most organizers and activists are critically aware of globalization processes and the difficulties these dynamics pose for their communities. Further, they often view their locally focused work as a direct response to the demands of globalization. The findings offer a counterpoint to depictions of local social action as myopic or irrelevant for the global era.

Post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a problem that affects many combatants in war, including a high percentage of military personnel serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. The high rates of PTSD among veterans has pushed research and intervention to address the serious mental and behavioral health problems associated with wartime trauma. However, these efforts have largely proceeded using biomedical and psychological approaches, without recognizing the institutional and social contexts of trauma, adaptation, and recovery. Moreover, biomedical and psychological approaches have serious shortcomings in recognizing how individual–environment interactions, meaningful interpretations, and sense of identity play a key role in the impact of trauma and development (or not) of PTSD. A neuroanthropological approach can use ideas of neural plasticity and the encultured brain to link culture, interpretation and identity, and the impact of trauma. This synthetic approach then permits a critique of present efforts in the U.S. military to increase resilience and prevent PTSD, and propose alternative strategies and research approaches to more effectively understand and address PTSD.

In conflicted societies and in societies that have glossed over major historical abuses, civic cultures often become characterised by sensitive issues being conscientiously avoided. This avoidance contributes to separations and inequalities among residents and communities, and prevents the establishment of policies that build trust and promote integration across lines of separation. In such societies young people are seen as problems, not assets, in public discourse. Such mental models disable a reconstructive, future oriented policy climate where young people experience being of value. This special issue argues for policies and practices that challenge this pessimistic common sense about what young people can contribute. It stresses the importance of restorative and intergenerational practices in the building of just societies. The articles further emphasize the importance of adopting principles of respect and inclusivity as cornerstones of policy, promoting youth-adult partnership and other devolved models of leadership in civic life, all within the larger context of explicitly working to secure more open, shared and interdependent societies.

In two studies of 5th–12th graders (n = 2,371; n = 999), we compare four groups based on engagement patterns in community service (CS) and/or extracurricular activities (EC). In both studies, adolescents who engaged in BOTH CS (whether mandated or voluntary) and EC had the highest reports of bonding and bridging social capital, intergenerational harmony, and social support whereas those who did NEITHER had the lowest. For most outcomes, adolescents engaged only in CS had higher reports than peers engaged only in EC. Content analyses of what adolescents learned in CS suggest its potential for broadening their awareness of fellow members of their communities, their mutual obligations, and collective capacities.

Across the world, community-based youth organizations are engaging youth as partners with adults to promote youth civic development. A sample of 528 youth from the United States, Portugal, and Malaysia were surveyed to explore associations between youth–adult partnership (youth voice in decision making; supportive adult relationships) and two key aspects of civic development (youth empowerment; community connections). Multi-level modeling, regression, and profile analysis were used to compare patterns of association across the three national samples. Results indicate that youth are most likely to achieve positive outcomes when they experience the freedom to make decisions, while experiencing trust and power sharing from adults. The results were consistent across the three national samples, suggesting that the influence of partnership may transcend cultures and contexts. Future scholarship should aim to support field professionals in building organizational structures and opportunities that encourage shared dialogue, program planning, and purposeful action among youth and adults.

Il presente studio rappresenta il primo report sulla presenza di parassiti anisakidi in orate e spigole di allevamento. Il ritrovamento di anisakidi in pesci allevati può essere ricondotto alle diverse politiche d'acquacoltura; tuttavia la prevalenza di infestazione in queste realtà produttive si rivela ancora bassissima. Non avendo informazioni dettagliate sulla natura dell'allevamento si presume che l'esemplare risultato positivo provenga da realtà di allevamento offshore, dove è più plausibile la presenza di organismi ospiti del parassita oggetto di studio. La prevalenza di infestazione da parte di parassiti anisakidi in queste realtà produttive si rivela ancora bassissima, tuttavia i risultati di questo studio suggeriscono ulteriori indagini al fine di avere un quadro del rischio esaustivo.