The Social Embeddedness of Transactions: Evidence from the Residential Real-Estate Industry

Information and communications technologies (ICT) are becoming pervasive in the residential real-estate industry and their usage is affecting the work lives of real-estate agents. Drawing on data from a regional study of the residential real-estate industry in the United States, we focus on the disintermediation or, more accurately, the reintermediation of real-estate agents in the sales process. Using data collected from interviews, direct observation, and archival records, we examine how real-estate agents are (1) taking advantage of new ICT in their work, and (2) protecting themselves from others wishing to displace their position in the real-estate value chain. Our analysis of this activity draws on two contrasting theoretical perspectives to illuminate the roles of residential real-estate agents: transaction cost and social capital. The results of this study provide insights into the ways in which ICT are used to build and draw on the social relationships that underpin the actual transactions, to help guide the process of buying/selling a house, and to invoke expertise as needed.     

Stichwort: Schulische Inklusion

‘Inclusion’ has become a central topic in the field of education. The idea that all children should attending regular schools has been increasingly discussed following the UN Convention, which came into force in Germany in 2009. This article highlights the central dimensions of the on-going discussions on inclusion in education. First, the tension between inclusion as a global and inclusion as a regional concept as well as the tension between the understanding of inclusion in a narrow and broader sense will be discussed. The different areas of discussion emphasize the complexity of this topic. Second the central challenges that are associated with inclusive schooling and curriculum development in inclusive schools will be discussed on the basis of current research findings. Lastly, the importance of attitudes of teachers dealing with inclusion will be highlighted. The article comes to the conclusion that research on and the implementation of inclusive education must take into account the complexity inherent in the circular pattern of causal factors in the field of education.     

The integrity of educational outcome measures in international assessments

Educational Assessment, Evaluation and Accountability -     

Academic resilience: underlying norms and validity of definitions

Educational Assessment, Evaluation and Accountability - Academic resilience refers to students’ capacity to perform highly despite a disadvantaged background. Although most studies using...     

Disentangling general achievement levels and subject-specific strengths and weaknesses in mathematics,reading, and science

Educational Assessment, Evaluation and Accountability - The paper uses data from the combined TIMSS (Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study) and PIRLS (Progress in International...     

Interesting,but Less Interested: Gender Differences and Similarities in Mathematics Interest

The purpose of the present study was to examine gender differences in mathematics interest. In a sample of middle school students (N?=?366), we examined mathematics interest as a trait (i.e., individual interest) and as a current state (i.e., situational interest) during a learning activity in mathematics. Assessment of perceived competence, performance, and effort during learning was also included. Results revealed a significant difference between boys and girls in their ratings of individual interest, but not in the current experience of situational interest. Furthermore, boys and girls did not differ in performance during learning, but girls invested significantly more effort than boys. Results and their implications are discussed in relation to interest development, gender differences, and subjective beliefs.