Inhaltsangabe:Abstract: This study set out to explore representations of the new economy amongst business professionals in Internet enabled business. Going beyond the new economy- hype , the study was aimed at understanding the ways that business professionals make sense of the contemporary economy. In doing so, a social psychological perspective was taken, allowing multiple realities to emerge. Behavioural economists and economic psychologists conceptualisations of economic life are challenged. They hinge on the presumption that individuals act independently from their social environment and deviate as cognitive misers from a single legitimate economic rationality. By contrast, this study drew on a social constructionist framework. More specifically, it employed social representations theory (Moscovici, 1961/76; Moscovici, 1984), which rehabilitated common sense as a legitimate form of knowledge. The theory of social representations as a theory of knowledge proved as a sensitive and more sophisticated tool to analyse contemporary economy in its manifestations in professionals common sense. It is suggested to view the notion of common sense independently of role constellations. Given this framework, this study took a snapshot of the contemporary representational field of the new economy amongst business professionals. Particularly, the study was focused on exploring the taken-for-granted and beliefs underpinning discourses and symbols. Data from semi-structured interviews and an in-depth analysis of Web-sites highlighted new findings: Business professionals have constructed symbolic meaning centring around the notion of interaction. Economic and social beliefs were not separated: Interaction is the new economy. The new and seemingly unlimited digital connectivity was perceived as a challenge and triggered a symbolic creation of a new space - the faceless space of interaction. Meanings around the faceless space of interaction are constructed in strong contrast to physical proximity and shared experience in communities: the face-to-face space. From numerous interlocking discourses and images a core set of values emerged at the heart of the representational field, deeply embedded in professionals common sense. Representations of new technology, of business professionals skills and roles in the new economy, of space and time were informed by symbolic coping with the challenges posed by the faceless space. This was evident in situative [...]

The evolution of digital media has enhanced global perspectives in all facets of communication, greatly increasing the range, scope, and accessibility of shared information. Due to the tremendously broad-reaching influence of digital media, its impact on learning, behavior, and social interaction has become a widely discussed topic of study, synthesizing the research of academic scholars, community educators, and developers of civic programs. The Handbook of Research on the Societal Impact of Digital Media is an authoritative reference source for recent developments in the dynamic field of digital media. This timely publication provides an overview of technological developments in digital media and their myriad applications to literacy, education, and social settings. With its extensive coverage of issues related to digital media use, this handbook is an essential aid for students, instructors, school administrators, and education policymakers who hope to increase and optimize classroom incorporation of digital media. This innovative publication features current empirical studies and theoretical frameworks addressing a variety of topics including chapters on instant messaging, podcasts, video sharing, cell phone and tablet applications, e-discussion lists, e-zines, e-books, e-textiles, virtual worlds, social networking, cyberbullying, and the ethical issues associated with these new technologies.

In the mid-1990s, at the height of academic discussion about the inevitability of capitalist globalization, J. K. Gibson-Graham presented a groundbreaking and controversial argument for envisioning alternative economies. This new edition includes an introduction in which the authors address critical responses to The End of Capitalism and outline the economic research and activism they have been engaged in since the book was first published. “Paralyzing problems are banished by this dazzlingly lucid, creative, and practical rethinking of class and economic transformation.” —Meaghan Morris, Lingnan University, Hong Kong “Profoundly imaginative.” —Eve Kosofsky Sedgwick, City University of New York “Filled with insights, it is clearly written and well supported with good examples of actual, deconstructive practices.” —International Journal of Urban and Regional Research J. K. Gibson-Graham is the pen name of Katherine Gibson and Julie Graham, feminist economic geographers who work, respectively, at the Australian National University in Canberra and the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

This, the second book in the innovative The Future of Trade Unions in Britain series, features substantial and original research on union strategies. It offers readers a detailed analysis of the opportunities and problems faced by unions in using the new trade union recognition law, and will enrich policy debates with much needed evidence. It covers topics such as: organizing campaigns across different sectors and their relative successes and failures the TUC's Organizing Academy public sector unions strategies including the use of partnership agreements the structure of trade unionism as a potential barrier to union revitalization costs and benefits for employers of recognizing unions. Written by the key thinkers in the field of industrial relations, it highlights the conditions under which organizing and partnership are likely to appeal to union members and employers and thus it has important policy implications for all parties concerned with industrial relations; unions, employers and governments.

This Handbook provides the requisite theoretical and methodological guidelines for undertaking social research addressing relevant contemporary social issues.

First Published in 2005. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

This stunning new edition retains the book's broad aims, intended audience, and multidisciplinary approach. New chapters take into account the more current backdrop of globalization, particularly events such as 9/11, and attendant developments that make a reconsideration of race relations in education quite urgent.