Iain Mclean and Alistair McMillan
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- February 2006
- ISBN:
- 9780199258208
- eISBN:
- 9780191603334
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199258201.003.0008
- Subject:
- Political Science, UK Politics
This chapter presents survey information on popular attitudes towards the Union and Unionism. This includes the survey of attitudes to the Union commissioned (and then ignored, because its findings ...
More
This chapter presents survey information on popular attitudes towards the Union and Unionism. This includes the survey of attitudes to the Union commissioned (and then ignored, because its findings were embarrassing) by the Kilbrandon Commission on the Constitution, 1973; the MORI private polling that led Labour to change its policy, 1974; British and Scottish Social Attitude and political surveys conducted in the 1990s and 2000s; time series of support for independence and devolution; and the Welsh language and devolution.Less
This chapter presents survey information on popular attitudes towards the Union and Unionism. This includes the survey of attitudes to the Union commissioned (and then ignored, because its findings were embarrassing) by the Kilbrandon Commission on the Constitution, 1973; the MORI private polling that led Labour to change its policy, 1974; British and Scottish Social Attitude and political surveys conducted in the 1990s and 2000s; time series of support for independence and devolution; and the Welsh language and devolution.
Jeff Manza, Jennifer A. Heerwig, and Brian J. McCabe
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- October 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780691133317
- eISBN:
- 9781400845569
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Princeton University Press
- DOI:
- 10.23943/princeton/9780691133317.003.0005
- Subject:
- Sociology, Social Research and Statistics
This chapter asks whether conservatism in political affiliations, national spending priorities, and social issue stances grew between 1972 and 2006. Some trends certainly accord with this image: ...
More
This chapter asks whether conservatism in political affiliations, national spending priorities, and social issue stances grew between 1972 and 2006. Some trends certainly accord with this image: Discernably more adults described themselves as “conservative” and identified as Republicans. Moreover, conservatives became much more apt to identify as Republicans, and gaps between Republicans and Democrats on some social issues widened, signaling limited rises in some forms of polarization. Other findings, however, are at odds with claims of a rising conservative tide. For example, in most years more adults described themselves as “moderate” than as either liberal or conservative. Public opinion favored spending increases rather than reductions in many domestic arenas, though Americans were reticent to call for greater government intervention. The overall portrait of political attitude trends observed is decidedly qualified and mixed.Less
This chapter asks whether conservatism in political affiliations, national spending priorities, and social issue stances grew between 1972 and 2006. Some trends certainly accord with this image: Discernably more adults described themselves as “conservative” and identified as Republicans. Moreover, conservatives became much more apt to identify as Republicans, and gaps between Republicans and Democrats on some social issues widened, signaling limited rises in some forms of polarization. Other findings, however, are at odds with claims of a rising conservative tide. For example, in most years more adults described themselves as “moderate” than as either liberal or conservative. Public opinion favored spending increases rather than reductions in many domestic arenas, though Americans were reticent to call for greater government intervention. The overall portrait of political attitude trends observed is decidedly qualified and mixed.
Peter V. Marsden (ed.)
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- October 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780691133317
- eISBN:
- 9781400845569
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Princeton University Press
- DOI:
- 10.23943/princeton/9780691133317.001.0001
- Subject:
- Sociology, Social Research and Statistics
This book assembles a team of leading researchers to provide unparalleled insight into how American social attitudes and behaviors have changed since the 1970s. Drawing on the General Social Survey—a ...
More
This book assembles a team of leading researchers to provide unparalleled insight into how American social attitudes and behaviors have changed since the 1970s. Drawing on the General Social Survey—a social science project that has tracked demographic and attitudinal trends in the United States since 1972—it offers a window into diverse facets of American life, from intergroup relations to political views and orientations, social affiliations, and perceived well-being. Among the book's many important findings are the greater willingness of ordinary Americans to accord rights of free expression to unpopular groups, to endorse formal racial equality, and to accept nontraditional roles for women in the workplace, politics, and the family. Some, but not all, signs indicate that political conservatism has grown, while a few suggest that Republicans and Democrats are more polarized. Some forms of social connectedness such as neighboring have declined, as has confidence in government, while participation in organized religion has softened. Despite rising standards of living, American happiness levels have changed little, though financial and employment insecurity has risen over three decades. This book provides an invaluable perspective on how Americans view their lives and their society, and on how these views have changed over the last two generations.Less
This book assembles a team of leading researchers to provide unparalleled insight into how American social attitudes and behaviors have changed since the 1970s. Drawing on the General Social Survey—a social science project that has tracked demographic and attitudinal trends in the United States since 1972—it offers a window into diverse facets of American life, from intergroup relations to political views and orientations, social affiliations, and perceived well-being. Among the book's many important findings are the greater willingness of ordinary Americans to accord rights of free expression to unpopular groups, to endorse formal racial equality, and to accept nontraditional roles for women in the workplace, politics, and the family. Some, but not all, signs indicate that political conservatism has grown, while a few suggest that Republicans and Democrats are more polarized. Some forms of social connectedness such as neighboring have declined, as has confidence in government, while participation in organized religion has softened. Despite rising standards of living, American happiness levels have changed little, though financial and employment insecurity has risen over three decades. This book provides an invaluable perspective on how Americans view their lives and their society, and on how these views have changed over the last two generations.
John F. Wilson and Andrew Thomson
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780199261581
- eISBN:
- 9780191718588
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199261581.003.0002
- Subject:
- Business and Management, Business History
This chapter represents a novel exercise in model-building. The first part reviews conceptual dimensions of the way in which management has been viewed: management in the theory of the firm; schools ...
More
This chapter represents a novel exercise in model-building. The first part reviews conceptual dimensions of the way in which management has been viewed: management in the theory of the firm; schools into which writers on management thought can be broken down; and the ways in which managers themselves have approached problems. The second part provides a theoretical base. Initially, it reviews three models of organizational structures: Chandlerian internalization of decision-making; resource dependency-based or externalization-oriented; and a socially constructed approach. The main drivers of change are then identified. Finally, the four themes of the book are introduced: the persistence of personal and proprietorial capitalism; management, organizational structure and transaction costs; social attitudes towards industry and management; and the slow transition to professionalism.Less
This chapter represents a novel exercise in model-building. The first part reviews conceptual dimensions of the way in which management has been viewed: management in the theory of the firm; schools into which writers on management thought can be broken down; and the ways in which managers themselves have approached problems. The second part provides a theoretical base. Initially, it reviews three models of organizational structures: Chandlerian internalization of decision-making; resource dependency-based or externalization-oriented; and a socially constructed approach. The main drivers of change are then identified. Finally, the four themes of the book are introduced: the persistence of personal and proprietorial capitalism; management, organizational structure and transaction costs; social attitudes towards industry and management; and the slow transition to professionalism.
James A. Davis
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- October 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780691133317
- eISBN:
- 9781400845569
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Princeton University Press
- DOI:
- 10.23943/princeton/9780691133317.003.0002
- Subject:
- Sociology, Social Research and Statistics
This chapter extends existing research on tolerance for nonconformity into the 2000s, following up on one of the very first articles based on the General Social Survey. Drawing on Stouffer's (1955) ...
More
This chapter extends existing research on tolerance for nonconformity into the 2000s, following up on one of the very first articles based on the General Social Survey. Drawing on Stouffer's (1955) conceptualization, it defines tolerance as the willingness to accord First Amendment-guaranteed rights of free expression to groups espousing unpopular views (e.g., atheists or racists) or lifestyles (homosexuals). Anchored on Stouffer's McCarthy-era baseline reading, it documents a steady rise in tolerance into the 2000s, but suggests that this may be decelerating. The chapter concludes that generally liberal outlooks, not sentiments toward particular “target” groups, underlie rising tolerance. The growth in tolerance can be attributed to the replacement of older, less-educated cohorts by more recent ones. But because the two principal drivers of higher tolerance—education and generally liberal outlooks—have stopped rising, tolerance may soon reach a plateau.Less
This chapter extends existing research on tolerance for nonconformity into the 2000s, following up on one of the very first articles based on the General Social Survey. Drawing on Stouffer's (1955) conceptualization, it defines tolerance as the willingness to accord First Amendment-guaranteed rights of free expression to groups espousing unpopular views (e.g., atheists or racists) or lifestyles (homosexuals). Anchored on Stouffer's McCarthy-era baseline reading, it documents a steady rise in tolerance into the 2000s, but suggests that this may be decelerating. The chapter concludes that generally liberal outlooks, not sentiments toward particular “target” groups, underlie rising tolerance. The growth in tolerance can be attributed to the replacement of older, less-educated cohorts by more recent ones. But because the two principal drivers of higher tolerance—education and generally liberal outlooks—have stopped rising, tolerance may soon reach a plateau.
Thomas J. Jr. Bouchard
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- January 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780195332834
- eISBN:
- 9780199868117
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195332834.003.0005
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Philosophy of Mind
This chapter shows that genetic variation is an important feature of virtually every human psychological trait and must be taken into account in any comprehensive explanation (theory) of human ...
More
This chapter shows that genetic variation is an important feature of virtually every human psychological trait and must be taken into account in any comprehensive explanation (theory) of human behaviour. It begins by discussing the mistaken but widely held belief that ‘genetic variance’ is an indicator of the biological or evolutionary unimportance of a trait. It then turns to the role of quantitative genetic methods in modern biology. Application of these methods across a very large number of quantitative characteristics of an equally large number of species leads to the conclusion that almost all quantitative characters are heritable. This truism is illustrated for the major domains of normal human individual differences: mental ability, personality, psychological interests, and social attitudes. It is shown that compared with effects in social psychology, ecology, and evolution, as well as psychological assessment and treatment, known quantitative genetic influence on human psychological traits should be considered large in magnitude. The argument that ‘ there are no genes for behaviour’ is refuted using ‘clockwork’genes as an example. Using the example of corn oil, it is also shown the fact that finding genes for a quantitative character can be very difficult. The chapter concludes by pointing out that molecular genetics will not replace quantitative genetics; rather, the two levels of analysis will fit together seamlessly.Less
This chapter shows that genetic variation is an important feature of virtually every human psychological trait and must be taken into account in any comprehensive explanation (theory) of human behaviour. It begins by discussing the mistaken but widely held belief that ‘genetic variance’ is an indicator of the biological or evolutionary unimportance of a trait. It then turns to the role of quantitative genetic methods in modern biology. Application of these methods across a very large number of quantitative characteristics of an equally large number of species leads to the conclusion that almost all quantitative characters are heritable. This truism is illustrated for the major domains of normal human individual differences: mental ability, personality, psychological interests, and social attitudes. It is shown that compared with effects in social psychology, ecology, and evolution, as well as psychological assessment and treatment, known quantitative genetic influence on human psychological traits should be considered large in magnitude. The argument that ‘ there are no genes for behaviour’ is refuted using ‘clockwork’genes as an example. Using the example of corn oil, it is also shown the fact that finding genes for a quantitative character can be very difficult. The chapter concludes by pointing out that molecular genetics will not replace quantitative genetics; rather, the two levels of analysis will fit together seamlessly.
Catherine Bromley and John Curtice (eds)
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- September 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780748622467
- eISBN:
- 9780748672028
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Edinburgh University Press
- DOI:
- 10.3366/edinburgh/9780748622467.001.0001
- Subject:
- Political Science, UK Politics
One of the key aims of devolution in Scotland was to change the way people felt about their country and the way they were governed. This book draws on a range of Scottish Election Studies and ...
More
One of the key aims of devolution in Scotland was to change the way people felt about their country and the way they were governed. This book draws on a range of Scottish Election Studies and Scottish Social Attitudes surveys to explore the early success — or otherwise — of devolution in meeting this objective. It asks how the Scottish public has reacted to the initial experience of devolution, and the lessons this experience might have for the future of devolution. The following questions are considered: How have public attitudes towards the governance of Scotland within the Union evolved from pre-devolution to the end of the first term of the Scottish Parliament? What has happened to support for the principal advocates for leaving the Union, the SNP? Why are fewer people voting in devolved elections than in UK elections? To what degree does the behaviour of those who vote reveal a sense of involvement in the work of the Parliament? What are voters' attitudes to the additional member electoral system? Who are regarded as fellow Scots by those who are all themselves ‘Scottish’? What are Scots' attitudes towards the Pakistani and English minorities in Scotland? The book presents a comprehensive analysis of the Scottish public's evolving view of devolution.Less
One of the key aims of devolution in Scotland was to change the way people felt about their country and the way they were governed. This book draws on a range of Scottish Election Studies and Scottish Social Attitudes surveys to explore the early success — or otherwise — of devolution in meeting this objective. It asks how the Scottish public has reacted to the initial experience of devolution, and the lessons this experience might have for the future of devolution. The following questions are considered: How have public attitudes towards the governance of Scotland within the Union evolved from pre-devolution to the end of the first term of the Scottish Parliament? What has happened to support for the principal advocates for leaving the Union, the SNP? Why are fewer people voting in devolved elections than in UK elections? To what degree does the behaviour of those who vote reveal a sense of involvement in the work of the Parliament? What are voters' attitudes to the additional member electoral system? Who are regarded as fellow Scots by those who are all themselves ‘Scottish’? What are Scots' attitudes towards the Pakistani and English minorities in Scotland? The book presents a comprehensive analysis of the Scottish public's evolving view of devolution.
Thomas Boggatz
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- January 2012
- ISBN:
- 9789774164552
- eISBN:
- 9781617970412
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- American University in Cairo Press
- DOI:
- 10.5743/cairo/9789774164552.001.0001
- Subject:
- Society and Culture, Middle Eastern Studies
This book provides a new study of Egypt's resources for elder care, and an exploration of the cultural and social attitudes that impact this ever-increasing need in modern society. The Egyptian ...
More
This book provides a new study of Egypt's resources for elder care, and an exploration of the cultural and social attitudes that impact this ever-increasing need in modern society. The Egyptian society is aging, families have to find solutions for care-dependent older persons, while at the same time, social changes threaten the traditional system of family care. The society has to adapt to this previously unknown situation and to develop new strategies for meeting the needs of its older members. Based on eight years of research, this book investigates the cultural shifts necessitated by these developments. It introduces the reader to the nursing homes and home care services that are currently available in Egypt's bigger cities. It describes how younger persons face the challenges of the new profession of caregiving and how recipients adapt in different ways to the situation of receiving care by non-family members. Besides examining culturally rooted attitudes, care needs and their related factors are analyzed.Less
This book provides a new study of Egypt's resources for elder care, and an exploration of the cultural and social attitudes that impact this ever-increasing need in modern society. The Egyptian society is aging, families have to find solutions for care-dependent older persons, while at the same time, social changes threaten the traditional system of family care. The society has to adapt to this previously unknown situation and to develop new strategies for meeting the needs of its older members. Based on eight years of research, this book investigates the cultural shifts necessitated by these developments. It introduces the reader to the nursing homes and home care services that are currently available in Egypt's bigger cities. It describes how younger persons face the challenges of the new profession of caregiving and how recipients adapt in different ways to the situation of receiving care by non-family members. Besides examining culturally rooted attitudes, care needs and their related factors are analyzed.
Stephen T. Mockabee, Kenneth D. Wald, and David C. Leege
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- October 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780691151458
- eISBN:
- 9781400840298
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Princeton University Press
- DOI:
- 10.23943/princeton/9780691151458.003.0016
- Subject:
- Political Science, American Politics
This chapter analyzes several new religiosity items. While standard survey measures of religiosity typically are associated with right-leaning political orientations, this chapter argues that these ...
More
This chapter analyzes several new religiosity items. While standard survey measures of religiosity typically are associated with right-leaning political orientations, this chapter argues that these measures are incapable of capturing the communitarian dimension of religiosity that may hold more meaning for liberal citizens. The 2006 ANES Pilot Study included questions to assess both the individualistic and communitarian elements of religiosity. Consistent with this chapter's expectations, these two dimensions of religiosity are distinct, exhibiting opposite relationships to partisan identification. The chapter's analyses further demonstrate that the two dimensions of religiosity have distinct, and substantial, influences on social policy attitudes and vote choice.Less
This chapter analyzes several new religiosity items. While standard survey measures of religiosity typically are associated with right-leaning political orientations, this chapter argues that these measures are incapable of capturing the communitarian dimension of religiosity that may hold more meaning for liberal citizens. The 2006 ANES Pilot Study included questions to assess both the individualistic and communitarian elements of religiosity. Consistent with this chapter's expectations, these two dimensions of religiosity are distinct, exhibiting opposite relationships to partisan identification. The chapter's analyses further demonstrate that the two dimensions of religiosity have distinct, and substantial, influences on social policy attitudes and vote choice.
Christoph Burkhardt, Rose Martin, Steffen Mau, and Peter Taylor-Gooby
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- September 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780199584499
- eISBN:
- 9780191728792
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199584499.003.0002
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Development, Growth, and Environmental
Germany and Great Britain represent two contrasting welfare state regimes resting on different distributional principles: liberalism and corporatism. Against this background the chapter asks whether ...
More
Germany and Great Britain represent two contrasting welfare state regimes resting on different distributional principles: liberalism and corporatism. Against this background the chapter asks whether the institutional design is reflected in public opinion towards the welfare state. It analyses how recent changes such as the emphasis on individual responsibility and social investment are viewed by the general public. The article compares social attitudes by using data from various quantitative surveys. Attitudes do not differ greatly between countries in relation to overall support for government intervention, but there are differences in particular areas. In Germany, respondents stress that the government should take on the role of supporting more vulnerable groups in access to employment, while in the UK the role of government is seen much more as regulating welfare so as not to undermine individual commitment to take responsibility for oneself. This stronger notion of individualism and market freedom in the UK is also reflected in the greater social acceptability of buying better services in the core areas of education and health care. However, this chapter also observes a gradual shift towards support for themes that have emerged recently in policy in the two countries like social investment. This may indicate a trend towards convergence.Less
Germany and Great Britain represent two contrasting welfare state regimes resting on different distributional principles: liberalism and corporatism. Against this background the chapter asks whether the institutional design is reflected in public opinion towards the welfare state. It analyses how recent changes such as the emphasis on individual responsibility and social investment are viewed by the general public. The article compares social attitudes by using data from various quantitative surveys. Attitudes do not differ greatly between countries in relation to overall support for government intervention, but there are differences in particular areas. In Germany, respondents stress that the government should take on the role of supporting more vulnerable groups in access to employment, while in the UK the role of government is seen much more as regulating welfare so as not to undermine individual commitment to take responsibility for oneself. This stronger notion of individualism and market freedom in the UK is also reflected in the greater social acceptability of buying better services in the core areas of education and health care. However, this chapter also observes a gradual shift towards support for themes that have emerged recently in policy in the two countries like social investment. This may indicate a trend towards convergence.
Peter Taylor-Gooby and Rose Martin
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- September 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780199584499
- eISBN:
- 9780191728792
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199584499.003.0003
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Development, Growth, and Environmental
Germany and the UK are often contrasted as leading European examples of the two main currents in the political economy of state welfare. Germany represents the conservative regulated market approach, ...
More
Germany and the UK are often contrasted as leading European examples of the two main currents in the political economy of state welfare. Germany represents the conservative regulated market approach, dominant across mainland Europe, while the UK typifies a more liberal market regime, influential internationally because it is enthusiastically promoted by the US. This chapter discusses these differences in the light of findings from an innovative cross-national qualitative attitude study. This shows how concepts such as equality of opportunity, social contribution, and market freedom are valued in both countries but are often understood differently. Corporatist and liberal frameworks influence the ideas of ordinary citizens about social provision. While there is substantial agreement across the EU on common approaches to employment and social inclusion, this may mask real differences in the way basic ideas about social provision are understood in different national contexts.Less
Germany and the UK are often contrasted as leading European examples of the two main currents in the political economy of state welfare. Germany represents the conservative regulated market approach, dominant across mainland Europe, while the UK typifies a more liberal market regime, influential internationally because it is enthusiastically promoted by the US. This chapter discusses these differences in the light of findings from an innovative cross-national qualitative attitude study. This shows how concepts such as equality of opportunity, social contribution, and market freedom are valued in both countries but are often understood differently. Corporatist and liberal frameworks influence the ideas of ordinary citizens about social provision. While there is substantial agreement across the EU on common approaches to employment and social inclusion, this may mask real differences in the way basic ideas about social provision are understood in different national contexts.
Peter B. Andersen and Rie Wellendorf
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780195331493
- eISBN:
- 9780199852321
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195331493.003.0008
- Subject:
- Religion, Religion and Society
This chapter analyzes the social setting in and around the Church of Scientology insofar as it is relevant to identify a community within Scientology and among its members. The Church of Scientology ...
More
This chapter analyzes the social setting in and around the Church of Scientology insofar as it is relevant to identify a community within Scientology and among its members. The Church of Scientology and its related charities is investigated to determine whether they promote integration with the society at large or whether they should be viewed as an isolated island consisting of an alternative community. It examines belief, commitment, and community among Scientologists on the basis of a survey among core Scientologists in Denmark. It uses a number of indicators of belief and social attitudes that are suitable for an analysis of individualism and utilitarian attitudes among Scientologists in Denmark — values that are lauded in Hubbard's writings. Putnam's conceptualization of social capital as either bridging or bonding is utilized as an analytical frame.Less
This chapter analyzes the social setting in and around the Church of Scientology insofar as it is relevant to identify a community within Scientology and among its members. The Church of Scientology and its related charities is investigated to determine whether they promote integration with the society at large or whether they should be viewed as an isolated island consisting of an alternative community. It examines belief, commitment, and community among Scientologists on the basis of a survey among core Scientologists in Denmark. It uses a number of indicators of belief and social attitudes that are suitable for an analysis of individualism and utilitarian attitudes among Scientologists in Denmark — values that are lauded in Hubbard's writings. Putnam's conceptualization of social capital as either bridging or bonding is utilized as an analytical frame.
Edwin L. Battistella
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- January 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780195367126
- eISBN:
- 9780199867356
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195367126.003.0006
- Subject:
- Linguistics, English Language
Chapter 6 continues the survey of the self‐correcting course focusing on socially significant aspect of grammar, as well as vocabulary and reading. The chapter includes more sample material.
Chapter 6 continues the survey of the self‐correcting course focusing on socially significant aspect of grammar, as well as vocabulary and reading. The chapter includes more sample material.
DAVID MILLER
- Published in print:
- 1984
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780198246589
- eISBN:
- 9780191681028
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198246589.003.0007
- Subject:
- Philosophy, History of Philosophy, Political Philosophy
This chapter suggests that Hume's social attitudes ought to be understood in relation to the outlook of the 18th-century aristocracy. Hume's ideology was the ideology of an open and progressive ...
More
This chapter suggests that Hume's social attitudes ought to be understood in relation to the outlook of the 18th-century aristocracy. Hume's ideology was the ideology of an open and progressive aristocracy, which was willing to accept newcomers in its midst, and which was generally well-disposed towards improvement in agriculture and industry. It was neither an exclusive estate, nor a rising class trying to displace an established one, but a group whose privileged position lacked any formal legal basis. It was simultaneously liberal and conservative: receptive to intellectual and practical innovations, committed to personal freedom and the impartial rule of law, yet at the same time firmly attached to a ranked social order and to a political constitution that reflected and upheld that order. In this light we can understand, for example, how Hume could be committed both to the preservation of a social hierarchy and to an economic order that was largely free of political controls.Less
This chapter suggests that Hume's social attitudes ought to be understood in relation to the outlook of the 18th-century aristocracy. Hume's ideology was the ideology of an open and progressive aristocracy, which was willing to accept newcomers in its midst, and which was generally well-disposed towards improvement in agriculture and industry. It was neither an exclusive estate, nor a rising class trying to displace an established one, but a group whose privileged position lacked any formal legal basis. It was simultaneously liberal and conservative: receptive to intellectual and practical innovations, committed to personal freedom and the impartial rule of law, yet at the same time firmly attached to a ranked social order and to a political constitution that reflected and upheld that order. In this light we can understand, for example, how Hume could be committed both to the preservation of a social hierarchy and to an economic order that was largely free of political controls.
Christopher Deeming and Ron Johnston
- Published in print:
- 2019
- Published Online:
- May 2020
- ISBN:
- 9781447348214
- eISBN:
- 9781447348269
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781447348214.003.0013
- Subject:
- Sociology, Social Research and Statistics
All of the advanced societies must provide their citizens with protection against risk in order to secure continued economic and political stability. In Britain, we have seen a major shift in ...
More
All of the advanced societies must provide their citizens with protection against risk in order to secure continued economic and political stability. In Britain, we have seen a major shift in attitudes towards government and its role in providing social security. Unemployed people are now seen as less ‘deserving’ of welfare, as solidarity with unemployed workers has declined in the context of relatively low levels of unemployment and a public that has become more ‘workfarist’ and less ‘welfarist’ as labour market related risks are increasingly privatized. Here we examine the transfer of political ideas influencing public opinion and policy agendas, and ‘thermostatic’ (Wlezien 1995) theories of state transformation and cross-national attitudes. For this we draw on the British Social Attitudes Survey (BSA) data over a 32 year period, and successive waves of International Social Survey Programme’s (ISSP) Role of Government (RoG) module for the comparative study of Western welfare state attitudes covering a 31 year period.Less
All of the advanced societies must provide their citizens with protection against risk in order to secure continued economic and political stability. In Britain, we have seen a major shift in attitudes towards government and its role in providing social security. Unemployed people are now seen as less ‘deserving’ of welfare, as solidarity with unemployed workers has declined in the context of relatively low levels of unemployment and a public that has become more ‘workfarist’ and less ‘welfarist’ as labour market related risks are increasingly privatized. Here we examine the transfer of political ideas influencing public opinion and policy agendas, and ‘thermostatic’ (Wlezien 1995) theories of state transformation and cross-national attitudes. For this we draw on the British Social Attitudes Survey (BSA) data over a 32 year period, and successive waves of International Social Survey Programme’s (ISSP) Role of Government (RoG) module for the comparative study of Western welfare state attitudes covering a 31 year period.
Stephen D. Farrall, Jonathan Jackson, and Emily Gray
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780199540815
- eISBN:
- 9780191701191
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199540815.001.0001
- Subject:
- Law, Criminal Law and Criminology
The fear of crime has been recognized as an important social problem in its own right, with a significant number of citizens in many countries concerned about crime. In this book, the chapters ...
More
The fear of crime has been recognized as an important social problem in its own right, with a significant number of citizens in many countries concerned about crime. In this book, the chapters critically review the main findings from over thirty-five years of research into attitudes to crime, highlighting groups who are most fearful of crime and exploring the theories used to account for that fear. Using this research, the text moves on to propose a new model for the fear of crime, arguing that such methods, which involve intensity questions (such as ‘how worried are you about x …’), may actually conflate an ‘expressive’ or ‘attitudinal’ component of the fear of crime with an experiential component and therefore fail to provide a comprehensive insight into how crime is perceived. The chapters use existing quantitative data from the British Crime Survey to pose theoretically informed questions to help identify those who only ‘expressively’ fear crime, separating them from those who have the actual experience of worrying about crime. The book explores the extent to which each group has different social attitudes and backgrounds, and whether there is more than one social/cultural form of the fear of crime.Less
The fear of crime has been recognized as an important social problem in its own right, with a significant number of citizens in many countries concerned about crime. In this book, the chapters critically review the main findings from over thirty-five years of research into attitudes to crime, highlighting groups who are most fearful of crime and exploring the theories used to account for that fear. Using this research, the text moves on to propose a new model for the fear of crime, arguing that such methods, which involve intensity questions (such as ‘how worried are you about x …’), may actually conflate an ‘expressive’ or ‘attitudinal’ component of the fear of crime with an experiential component and therefore fail to provide a comprehensive insight into how crime is perceived. The chapters use existing quantitative data from the British Crime Survey to pose theoretically informed questions to help identify those who only ‘expressively’ fear crime, separating them from those who have the actual experience of worrying about crime. The book explores the extent to which each group has different social attitudes and backgrounds, and whether there is more than one social/cultural form of the fear of crime.
Christoph Burkhardt and Steffen Mau
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- September 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780199584499
- eISBN:
- 9780191728792
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199584499.003.0004
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Development, Growth, and Environmental
In recent decades, European welfare states faced increasing migration resulting in more diverse populations. In contrast to former times, when the access to welfare benefits was closely tied to ...
More
In recent decades, European welfare states faced increasing migration resulting in more diverse populations. In contrast to former times, when the access to welfare benefits was closely tied to citizenship, western welfare states have become more inclusive by making welfare eligibility increasingly a matter of residency. The chapter asks how this process is discussed and evaluated by the public, building on an analysis of focus group interviews. By taking a comparative perspective, it also investigates whether one finds significant differences between views of German and British focus group participants. Although German respondents were slightly more positive in their evaluation of immigration, there are also similarities between respondents from both countries. For example, German and British respondents welcome productive contributions by migrants to maintain the sustainability of the welfare state. On the other hand, ethnic segregation and disproportionate dependency on welfare by immigrants were highlighted as negative side-effects. Overall, it is argued that while the unconditional inclusion of immigrants into the welfare state is met with reservation, people tend to agree with the politics of inclusion if they feel that immigrants are contributing to society, in particular through labour market participation.Less
In recent decades, European welfare states faced increasing migration resulting in more diverse populations. In contrast to former times, when the access to welfare benefits was closely tied to citizenship, western welfare states have become more inclusive by making welfare eligibility increasingly a matter of residency. The chapter asks how this process is discussed and evaluated by the public, building on an analysis of focus group interviews. By taking a comparative perspective, it also investigates whether one finds significant differences between views of German and British focus group participants. Although German respondents were slightly more positive in their evaluation of immigration, there are also similarities between respondents from both countries. For example, German and British respondents welcome productive contributions by migrants to maintain the sustainability of the welfare state. On the other hand, ethnic segregation and disproportionate dependency on welfare by immigrants were highlighted as negative side-effects. Overall, it is argued that while the unconditional inclusion of immigrants into the welfare state is met with reservation, people tend to agree with the politics of inclusion if they feel that immigrants are contributing to society, in particular through labour market participation.
Judith Healy and Martin McKee
- Published in print:
- 2004
- Published Online:
- September 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780198516187
- eISBN:
- 9780191723681
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198516187.003.0004
- Subject:
- Public Health and Epidemiology, Public Health, Epidemiology
Disabled people have a major stake in health services, often as regular users, although the experience of many is that disability can be caused not just by their impairment, but by societal barriers ...
More
Disabled people have a major stake in health services, often as regular users, although the experience of many is that disability can be caused not just by their impairment, but by societal barriers and attitudes. Social attitudes during the 20th century to people with disabilities have moved through containment, victims deserving of compensation, a medical approach, to a rights-based approach. The history of societal marginalization of people with disabilities produced a ‘normalization’ push, since separate services, particularly within a medical model, were regarded as stigmatising. Whether people are better served by integrated or specialist care, however, depends upon the person and their particular impairment. The entitlement of disabled people to appropriate health care is based on rights supported in law, and professionals should reflect this view and become more knowledgeable about the health needs of disabled people.Less
Disabled people have a major stake in health services, often as regular users, although the experience of many is that disability can be caused not just by their impairment, but by societal barriers and attitudes. Social attitudes during the 20th century to people with disabilities have moved through containment, victims deserving of compensation, a medical approach, to a rights-based approach. The history of societal marginalization of people with disabilities produced a ‘normalization’ push, since separate services, particularly within a medical model, were regarded as stigmatising. Whether people are better served by integrated or specialist care, however, depends upon the person and their particular impairment. The entitlement of disabled people to appropriate health care is based on rights supported in law, and professionals should reflect this view and become more knowledgeable about the health needs of disabled people.
Tariq Ramadan
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780195183566
- eISBN:
- 9780199850426
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195183566.003.0002
- Subject:
- Religion, Islam
This chapter is a theoretical study of the fundamental principles of “universal Islam” and the tools that Muslims have available to confront diversity and change, whether historical, geographical, or ...
More
This chapter is a theoretical study of the fundamental principles of “universal Islam” and the tools that Muslims have available to confront diversity and change, whether historical, geographical, or cultural. The most perfect expression of the universal, and the possibility of an encounter with it that is spiritual as well as intellectual, is expressed in the Islamic consciousness. The chapter explores several trends of thought. They are many and are called by different names from one country to another. Here, the chapter sketches the distinctive characteristics of specific broad tendencies represented across the world by groups that may have different names but that nevertheless have adopted an identical reading of the texts, along with the doctrinal and often social attitudes that follow as a consequence. The six major tendencies refer here to the different tendencies among those for whom Islam is the reference point for their thinking, their discourse, and their engagement.Less
This chapter is a theoretical study of the fundamental principles of “universal Islam” and the tools that Muslims have available to confront diversity and change, whether historical, geographical, or cultural. The most perfect expression of the universal, and the possibility of an encounter with it that is spiritual as well as intellectual, is expressed in the Islamic consciousness. The chapter explores several trends of thought. They are many and are called by different names from one country to another. Here, the chapter sketches the distinctive characteristics of specific broad tendencies represented across the world by groups that may have different names but that nevertheless have adopted an identical reading of the texts, along with the doctrinal and often social attitudes that follow as a consequence. The six major tendencies refer here to the different tendencies among those for whom Islam is the reference point for their thinking, their discourse, and their engagement.
Michele Dillon and Paul Wink
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- May 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780520249004
- eISBN:
- 9780520940031
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University of California Press
- DOI:
- 10.1525/california/9780520249004.003.0008
- Subject:
- Religion, Religious Studies
This chapter discusses the activities, personality, and social attitudes of Americans related to religious and spiritual aspects of their late adulthood. According to a traditional assumption, late ...
More
This chapter discusses the activities, personality, and social attitudes of Americans related to religious and spiritual aspects of their late adulthood. According to a traditional assumption, late adulthood is a time in the life course when individuals experience a decline in personal meaning and purpose as a result of their diminished social roles and physical and cognitive impairment. The study presented in this chapter suggests that the individuals who were studied actively engaged in religion, irrespective of whether it was church centered or seeker oriented, tended to participate in more daily activities, and more frequently, than those for whom religion or spirituality were of little or no relevance. It indicates that many non-religious and non-spiritual older individuals were living purposeful lives. Nonetheless, being religiously or spiritually engaged, as opposed to having no religious or spiritual interests, was more conducive to involvement in everyday activities.Less
This chapter discusses the activities, personality, and social attitudes of Americans related to religious and spiritual aspects of their late adulthood. According to a traditional assumption, late adulthood is a time in the life course when individuals experience a decline in personal meaning and purpose as a result of their diminished social roles and physical and cognitive impairment. The study presented in this chapter suggests that the individuals who were studied actively engaged in religion, irrespective of whether it was church centered or seeker oriented, tended to participate in more daily activities, and more frequently, than those for whom religion or spirituality were of little or no relevance. It indicates that many non-religious and non-spiritual older individuals were living purposeful lives. Nonetheless, being religiously or spiritually engaged, as opposed to having no religious or spiritual interests, was more conducive to involvement in everyday activities.
