John W. Murphy

Globalization: A Critical Introduction, 2nd edn:

Laval. He has contributed more than 100 articles and entries in a dozen encyclopaedias and reference books published in the US, including Men and Masculinities: A Social, Cultural, and Historical Encyclopedia (ABC-Clio, 2004), edited by Michael S. Kimmel and Amy Aronson. He was on the advisory board for the Encyclopedia of the Blues (Routledge, 2005). Address: Departement de sociologie, Bureau 3469, Université Laval Quebec City, Canada G1K 7P4. [email: yves.laberge@lit.ulaval.ca]

Postmodern social analysis and criticism

The Historical Development of Modernism The Making of the Postmodern World Postmodern Social Science Order and Discourse Socially Responsible Institutions Dimensions of Postmodern Culture The Politics of Postmoderism Conclusion--Social Rehabilitation Selected Bibliography Index

Understanding the Etiology of Prescription Opioid Abuse Implications for Prevention and Treatment

Although studies on the initiation of substance abuse abound, the body of literature on prescription opioid abuse (POA) etiology is small. Little is known about why and how the onset of POA occurs, especially among high-risk populations. In this study we aimed to fill this important knowledge gap by exploring the POA initiation experiences of 90 prescription opioid abusers currently in treatment and their narrative accounts of the circumstances surrounding their POA onset. This research was conducted within a storyline framework, which operates on the premise that the path to drug abuse represents a biography or a process rather than a static condition. Audiotapes of in-depth interviews were transcribed, coded, and thematically analyzed. Analyses revealed the presence of four trajectories leading to POA. This study adds to the limited research on POA etiology by not only illuminating the psychosocial factors that contribute to POA onset, but also by situating initiation experiences within broader life processes. The study findings provide crucial insights to policymakers and interventionists in identifying who is at risk for POA, and more important, when and how to intervene most efficaciously.

What is the Justification for a Qualitative Approach to Ageing Studies

In this essay, a theoretical approach that underpins qualitative research is discussed, thereby illustrating how this outlook differs philosophically from that which underlies quantitative investigations. The purpose of this essay is to promote a firm theoretical foundation for qualitative inquiry in ageing research, which appears to be neglected in many current studies. Key to the theoretical shift attendant to qualitative research is the idea that every aspect of social life is embedded in symbolism. Therefore, those who do research in ageing should be sensitive to the ways in which persons interpret their lives, instead of simply focusing on empirical indicators. Only in this way can socially relevant research be conducted.

An Examination of the Scholarly Productivity of Social Work Journal Editorial Board Members and Guest Reviewers

This article reports findings on the scholarly productivity of editorial boards and guest reviewers for selected social work journals. This is the first study to analyze the scholarly productivity of those who serve as guest reviewers for social work journals. Scholarly productivity was defined by the number of citation counts and articles published by editorial board members and guest reviewers for the years 1987 through 1990. As reported in prior studies, many editorial board members appeared to have modest levels of scholarly productivity as defined by citation counts and numbers of articles published. Similar findings are reported for guest reviewers. The researchers conclude that these findings are notable and have serious implications for the academic and professional credibility of social work.

Community-based interventions : philosophy and action

Introduction.- Philosophy and Community-based Interventions.- The Dimensions of a Community.- Community-based Organizations.- A New Epidemiology.- Research and Community.- The Conceptual Flow of a Community-based Project.- Leadership from Below.- Social Interventions and Justice.- Conclusion.

Profile of the Foster Child Likely to Experience Unstable Care: A Re-Examination.

This research reports the results of a survey exploring characteristics associated with the stability of foster care. The survey was developed from a national profile of the child likely to experience unstable foster care. Findings and implications are discussed.

Technologically Mediated Therapy: A Critique

Computer technology is being introduced into social service programs to perform a variety of tasks, including therapy. Many practitioners question its effectiveness, primarily because technologically mediated therapy disregards the ways in which language defines persons’ lives and environment.

The Technological World-View and the Responsible Use of Computers in the Classroom.

In this paper it is argued that technology does not merely represent a set of devices that teachers may choose to use, but more importantly advances a world-view that shapes social existence. The image of social life that technology conveys is not currently receiving serious consideration from those who are rushing headlong to incorporate computers into the classroom. As a result, the possible deleterious consequences of a technological education are not being exposed. This paper attempts to correct this deficiency by addressing the philosophy of technology and its impact on education.

Storylines as a Neglected Tool for Mental Health Service Providers and Researchers

Mental health service providers and researchers usually explain psychological/behavioral problems in terms of risk and protective factors. Although such an approach may seem empirical, and thus accurate, the manner in which patients interpret these factors is often overlooked. The result is that practitioners and researchers draw conclusions and make possible causal attributions that do not take into account the perspective of those who are studied or in care. Storylines, however, are a promising strategy to understanding mental health problems that is sensitive to the experiences and situations of people, and can bring into view more relevant details of patients’ lives. This paper provides a theoretically grounded justification for the use of storylines in both mental health practice and research. Storylines are defined, while suggestions are provided for how this framework might be put into practice. A discussion is offered on how storylines might improve the design and implementation of health interventions by requiring these services to become more attuned to the lived experience of patients and the meanings they attach to common risk factors.