Efficient approximate representation of bi-objective tradeoff sets

The problem of efficiently approximating the tradeoff (Pareto-optimal) curve or set for optimization problems with two conflicting objectives is considered. In particular, a new method is proposed for computing a relatively small number of points to define an approximate representation of the tradeoff set. The efficiency of the method is established by showing the maximum number of points required to achieve a prescribed precision of approximation. Finally, a general algorithm embodying the method is outlined and analysed.     

Sluts: Heteronormative Policing in the Stories of Lesbian Youth

The power of compulsory heterosexuality regulates the sexuality of adolescent lesbians as strongly as it does their heterosexual peers. Marked with a sexual(ized) identity, young Southern lesbians in this life history study made claim to moral high ground by consistently identifying with the hegemonic good girl construct and by participating in the naming of women whose sexual behavior demonstrated a disregard for the “rules.” The good girl/bad girl, the virgin/slut binaries, played significant roles in their identity claims, in their relationships, and in their choices of friendships. Personal self-control (“just kissing”) is seen by these young women as admirable and sluts are seen as dangerous women who harm others and themselves. This article explores the marking of sluts and too experienced women in the life stories of White Southern adolescent lesbians and the continued social controls imposed on adolescent female sexuality through the devaluing of women's sexual agency.     

The high skills project and the limits of possibility: a response to Coffield

In 2003, we wrote a critical reply to Frank Coffield’s reflections in this journal on the significance of the Performance and Innovation Unit’s project on workforce development for the future direction of skills policy in England. As Coffield made clear in a rejoinder, underpinning our arguments are fundamental disagreements about what would be required to tackle the low skills equilibrium and develop the UK as a high skills society. Coffield criticised our project for being unrealistic and as offering no threat to the status quo. In this reply, we respond to these criticisms before subjecting Coffield’s own policy recommendations to closer scrutiny. The danger with following his approach is that it not only results in academics setting their sights too low but is overly optimistic about what can be achieved by working with policy makers given current political and ideological constraints.     

The Professionalization of Gerontology: A Canadian Perspective

Globally, the need for development of a competent workforce to serve the burgeoning older population is well documented. Persons with degrees in gerontology are prepared to fill positions in this labor market, yet they are not in demand. This research explores the path of professionalization of gerontologists in Canada as a means of increasing their contribution to the aging services workforce. A cross-sectional online survey of aging-service administrators (n = 66) was conducted in Ontario, Canada, to ascertain their perceptions of gerontologists as professionals in the service delivery to older persons. Aging-service administrators show low rates of hiring gerontologists and low knowledge of gerontological competencies. There was a significant (p < .05) relationship between the knowledge of gerontologist's competence and their rate of employment. The administrators expressed high interest in regulation and credentialing of gerontologists (63.6%). Credentialing of gerontologists is a means of professionalization that legitimizes the competence of this field as a profession. Education is needed—for governmental agencies and health and social service providers—on the role of gerontologists in meeting aging service workforce demands. Ultimately, regulatory policy considerations are needed.     

‘It just makes you feel invincible’: a Foucauldian analysis of children's experiences of organised team sports

The childhood years are highlighted as a crucial time when ongoing participation in physical activity can be nurtured and maintained. The nurturing of a child's proclivity to participate in organised sport normally falls into the domain of adults. While both parents and coaches have been identified as key influences on children's enjoyment of sport, some negative perceptions exist about their roles. Although children's perspectives are increasingly being acknowledged as valuable, it would appear that young children are still marginalised as active participants in areas of health-related research. The primary objective of this study was to give space to children's views of organised sport and to examine how adult behaviours affected these children's enjoyment of sport. This qualitative study utilised eight focus group interviews with a total of 30 children (aged 6–11 years) in the Greater Auckland area of New Zealand. This paper presents a Foucauldian discourse analysis of children's views relating to their sporting experiences. Children articulated three discursive constructions of sport: sport as competition, sport as fun and sport as fair play. The dominance of sport as competition would appear to serve the needs of coaches and parents more than those of children. Coaches who appear to be firmly positioned within a competitive discourse of sport use their power to support coaching practices that clash with the guidelines provided for them by their sporting bodies. Our analysis shows that many children may be exposed to discursive practices that are not conducive to a child-centred sporting environment. Through the exercise of disciplinary measures, there is pressure on children to conform to the normative behaviours associated with a dominant competitive sport discourse.     

Leveraging interest-driven embodied practices to build quantitative literacies: A case study using motion and audio capture from dance

Educational technology research and development - We report on an exploratory effort to design an interest-based learning experience for high school (step) dancers to engage with concepts in...     

Sex,race, and grade differences in the locus of control orientations of at-risk elementary students

Extensive educational efforts recently have been focused on the plight of the at-risk student. A multitude of variables contribute to a depressed likelihood of academic success; among these are poor academic preparation, lack of parental support, and several personality factors such as lowered self-concept, motivation, and confidence. One variable that has not been examined systematically in regard to the at-risk student is locus of control orientation. Two decades of research support the positive relationship of internal locus of control and achievement. To investigate this variable, 643 elementary school students were included in a 2 × 2 × 2 × 6 analysis of variance design. No main effects for sex or race were found. A significant main effect for conditions (at-risk vs. not-at-risk) was observed, with the at-risk students being more externally oriented. In addition, a significant effect for grade was noted, with the trend being for grade (age) to be positively related to internality. The importance of developing a program aimed at enhancing internal locus of control and its nature are discussed.     

Rethinking Safe Schools Approaches for LGBTQ Students: Changing the Questions We Ask

In this article the authors address the limitations of framing “the problem” of in-school LGBTQ harassment within dominant anti-bullying discourses. They offer a critical sociological framework as an alternative way of understanding the issues of LGBTQ harassment and propose a research agenda in which school culture and gender policing are the objects of inquiry.