National policy discourses imply rational and positive pathways to greater equality and inclusion for public sector workers, including those in education. However, radical feminist and critical race theory suggests that whatever measures are undertaken to disassemble systems which impact negatively on those who are minority or excluded, systems…

Suggests that quasi-theories may link symbolic interactionism and negotiated order theory. The proposal theory is grounded in a case study of a university sabbatical leave committee. Situational response is explained in regard to the microsocial processes of cure selection and cure justification, rather than relying on macrosocial issues.…

Explores linkages between the use of information technology and changes in the self-identity of professional groups in terms of how they see and describe themselves in relation to their work and that of others. Microlevel studies are described and the use of macrolevel social theory to analyze results is discussed. (Author/LRW)

Current scholarship views organizational socialization as a learning process that is primarily the responsibility of the newcomer. Yet recent learning research recognizes the importance of the social interactions in the learning process. This study investigated how newly hired engineers at a large manufacturing company learned job-related tasks…

Adopted at more than 1,000 colleges and universities worldwide, the market-leading text owes its success to the unique way in which it combines an academically robust account of the major theories and models of leadership with an accessible style and practical exercises that help students apply what they learn. Each chapter of Peter Northouse's…

Discusses the gendered experiences and lifelong learning opportunities of people with learning difficulties (LD). Notes theories of late modernity, their use by feminist and disability studies theorists, and their relationship to a learning society. Using case studies, argues that the identities of people with LD are not chosen freely from many…

Community development partnerships for youths offer valuable resources for school improvement. Unfortunately, these resources may not be tapped because school leaders have not been prepared to understand these partnerships. The evaluative research reported partnership-related understanding, aiming to prepare leaders to contribute to, and benefit…

Although educational leaders may be optimistic about initiating change, lasting reforms are rare. The group polarization literature, although dated, provides an important explanation for a very current problem. The theory holds that when there are differences of opinion to begin with, a counter-conformity effect works among members of groups.…

This article challenges social (dis)organization theory by investigating the impact of religious culture on civic engagement. Using qualitative data from 'Bridge View,' a historically African-American neighborhood in San Francisco experiencing environmental racism, this article asks: (1) How does the Nation of Islam (NOI) affect social…

Using three Oakland, California, case studies concerned with implementing the Public Works and Economic Development Act (1965), this article explores the limits of science in policy implementation. Sources of uncertainty are examined and the science of chaos introduced as a possible interpretive framework for extending policy science. Includes 20…

Four case studies of British adolescents describe their application of social theories to political, social, and personal issues. The studies imply that political reasoning does not develop separately from other domains. Discussion of the concept of lay social theory precedes the case studies. (BC)

The study drew on Bernstein's theory and Moscovici's theory of Social Representations to investigate how children in classrooms with different types of structuration developed social representation of the curriculum. Comparable case studies were carried out in schools chosen to reflect three types of pedagogy according to Bernstein's typology.…

This article explores the strengths and weaknesses of Lave and Wenger's concept of "legitimate peripheral participation" as a means of understanding workplace learning. It draws on recent ESRC-funded research by the authors in contemporary workplace settings in the UK (manufacturing industry and secondary schools) to establish the extent…

Purpose: This paper presents routinized action theory as a way to examine the regular, habitual activities that occur in school organizations. Using this theoretical lens, school routines were analyzed in order to understand organizational stability and change. Design/methodology/approach: Using case study methods, three discrete cases are…

This dissertation explores organizational narratives of engagement initiatives involving two comprehensive universities and the larger regional communities they serve. The purpose of this study is to develop a holistic description of engagement initiatives, reflecting data collected through interviews, documents and other artifacts from…