scholarly journals Comparing “Cosmopolitanism”: Taste, Nation and Global Culture in Finland and the UK

2013 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 330-360 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Wright ◽  
Semi Purhonen ◽  
Riie Heikkilä
Keyword(s):  
Lived Experience ◽  
Comparative Perspective ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Global Culture ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
National Cultures ◽  
Seminal Contribution ◽  
Sociological Inquiry ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Ways Of Being

Abstract This paper adds a comparative perspective to the study of taste, cosmopolitanism and social organisation. Drawing on material provided by two similar projects in the UK and Finland it explores the relationships between national and cosmopolitan taste cultures. Whilst there have been some recent attempts to study taste in a comparative perspective, the weight of sociological inquiry into taste is focussed on specific national spaces, including the France of Bourdieu’s (1984) seminal contribution. This tendency persists even as the production and circulation of culture is increasingly accepted as global. Global culture is assumed to be the driver of cosmopolitan ways of being, but is also interpreted as a threat to distinct national cultures. Studies of taste provide an empirical setting where the lived experience of global culture and the ambiguities of cosmopolitanism can be observed. Based on interviews and focus group discussions from the UK and Finland, the paper broadly concurs with those critics who see cosmopolitanism in the context of the maintenance of privileged political or symbolic positions of classes/status groups.

‘For Better or Worse?’: Heterosexuality Reinvented

2002 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 68-79 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jenny Hockey ◽  
Victoria Robinson ◽  
Angela Meah
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Empirical Study ◽  
Theoretical Approach ◽  
Preliminary Data ◽  
Lived Experiences ◽  
Heterosexual Relationships ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
The Uk ◽  
People’S Perceptions

Based upon a series of focus group discussions carried out in East Yorkshire, this article contributes to debates on both the nature and theorising of heterosexual relationships that have recently been investigated from diverse perspectives. These group discussions represent the launch of the first major empirical study of heterosexuality and ageing that has been undertaken in the UK. In drawing upon preliminary data from these focus groups, our findings reinforce and add to the challenging of a representation of heterosexuality which is both monolithic and inflexible, by exploring accounts of peoples’ actual lived experiences. Through this research we begin to generate a theoretical approach which highlights the complexity of these lived realities. We particularly explore the intersections of gender, age, class and family location. In doing so, we pinpoint differences, contradictions, but also continuities, in the ways in which people discuss and comment on their own and other people's perceptions and experiences of heterosexuality.

scholarly journals Exploring perceptions and attitudes of black Sub-Sahara African (BSSA) migrants towards residential care in England

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 307-315
Author(s):  
Mathew Nyashanu ◽  
Scovia Nalugo Mbalinda ◽  
Fungisai Mushawa ◽  
Mandu Stephene Ekpenyong
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Residential Care ◽  
Social Care ◽  
Death And Dying ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Early 19Th Century ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Health And Social Care ◽  
The Uk

Purpose Since the early 19th century, the UK has seen a decrease in mortality rates and increase in life expectancy. This has increased the number of elderly people being put into residential care. Change in British population demography with the arrival of many Africans from the black Sub-Sahara African (BSSA) countries has increased the need of these services. The purpose of this paper is to explore perceptions and attitude of BSSA towards residential care from potential user perspective. Design/methodology/approach This study was explorative qualitative in nature, using focus group discussions and one-on-one follow up semi-structured interviews. The focus group discussions and interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. The Silences Framework was used to guide this study, and the collection of data was done using the thematic analysis approach. Findings This study found out that the sense of confinement, lack of ownership, non-provision of culturally friendly food, non-provision of culturally friendly personal care, non-provisional of culturally orientated death and dying care, stigma for being neglected and perceived poor inclusivity leading to loneliness were found to discourage BSSA research participants from taking up residential care in the UK. Research limitations/implications In future, there is need for cross-cultural comparisons of BSSA communities living in the UK and BSSA communities living in Africa or other parts of the world. This may enhance understanding the differences and similarities based on contextual social, political and economic factors. Practical implications There is a need to understand the needs and concerns of new communities in relation to residential care and make necessary changes to enhance diversity and inclusivity. More importantly, the curriculum and professional development courses for staff in health and social care need to factor in the concepts of cultural competency and inclusivity to prepare them for the increasingly changing terrain of social care. Originality/value Owing to the changing demography and diversity in the UK population, there is a need to re-orient and re-design residential care services provision to make it diverse and inclusive of new communities from other cultures.

scholarly journals Responding to the risk of terrorism: the contribution of metaphor

2010 ◽  
Vol 26 (spe) ◽  
pp. 587-614 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lynne Cameron
Keyword(s):  
Economic Status ◽  
Natural World ◽  
Ordinary People ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Games Of Chance ◽  
Quantitative Analyses ◽  
Reflection On Action ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Discourse Topic

This discourse-based study investigated semantic and affective aspects of metaphors used by people talking about background risk of terrorism. 96 members of the UK public participated in 12 focus group discussions, organized by gender, religion (Muslim / non-Muslim), and socio-economic status. 12,362 metaphors were identified in transcribed talk, coded for vehicle domain and discourse topic, and subjected to qualitative and some quantitative analyses. In contrast to negative, dominant metaphors found in studies of media and political discourse, 'ordinary' people use an intersecting range of systematic metaphors, including "GAMES OF CHANCE", "NATURAL WORLD" and "THEATER". Affect works across linguistic metaphors with various source domains, and in connection with non-metaphorical language such as reflection on action and explicit expression of empathy. Gender, religion and social class intersect in metaphor preferences.

scholarly journals Working with Adolescents to Understand Bullying and Self– Exclusion from School

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Anna Dadswell ◽  
Niamh O’Brien
Keyword(s):  
Institutional Factors ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Support Needs ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Shared Experiences ◽  
Key Issues ◽  
The Uk

Self-exclusion from school is a significant issue in the UK and increasingly associated with bullying. However, there is little research into this relationship and the experiences and support needs of adolescents who experience bullying leading to self-exclusion are unknown. Using participatory methodology, we worked with adolescents who had self-excluded from school and the staff supporting them, to identify key issues on experiences and support needs and design the research approach which was carried into a second phase of research involving four focus group discussions with other self-excluded young people. Fifteen adolescents were involved in total (11 female, 4 male, aged 13– 16). Data was analysed thematically and findings suggest anxiety underpins self-exclusion due to bullying, which was shaped by friendship dynamics, issues around seeking support, and institutional factors in schools. This led to gradual withdrawal from school, and eventually self-exclusion. These shared experiences, knowledge, and insight go beyond the current literature, thus providing a strong rationale for adolescents’ involvement in future research.

scholarly journals Socio-Economic Participation of Somali Refugees in the Netherlands, Transnational Networks and Boundary Spanning

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 264-274
Author(s):  
Ilse Van Liempt ◽  
Gery Nijenhuis
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
The Netherlands ◽  
Boundary Spanning ◽  
Immigrant Group ◽  
Transnational Networks ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Somali Refugees ◽  
Economic Participation ◽  
The Uk

<p>In this article we analyse the socio-economic participation of Somali refugees in the Netherlands. Unemployment is higher among Somalis than any other refugee or immigrant group in the Netherlands and they face many obstacles when it comes to social and economic participation. At the same time, they are known for having a strong transnational orientation. We were interested to learn whether and, if so, how Somalis use their transnational networks to overcome obstacles on the Dutch labour market and how boundaries around formal labour markets are negotiated in order to access employment and to participate. We did so by focusing on two strategies employed to participate, namely through Somali organizations in the Netherlands and elsewhere, and by Somalis moving to the UK. In doing so, we looked at Somalis’ ability to span boundaries to create opportunities. The concept of transnational networks is helpful in understanding Somalis’ daily realities, but conceptually it does not seem to fit entirely as these networks usually only refer to connections with the ‘homeland.’ We argue that Somalis’ boundary-spanning activities move beyond national levels and involve various scales, sites, and settings. The data we refer to are derived from focus group discussions with 66 Somali people in Amsterdam and 20 interviews with experts who work with the Somali community in the Netherlands. These discussions and interviews were held in 2013–14. We also draw on 20 interviews with Somali organizations in the Netherlands about their transnational orientation, which were conducted between 2010 and 2013 in the context of another research project.</p>

Engaging the Public on Technical Issues

2003 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brendan Breen ◽  
Elizabeth Atherton ◽  
Steve Barlow
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Radioactive Waste ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
The Public ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Technical Issues ◽  
The Uk

United Kingdom Nirex Limited (Nirex) is responsible for providing the UK with environmentally-sound and publicly-acceptable options for the long-term management of radioactive materials generated by the Nation’s commercial, medical, research and defence activities. An important part of Nirex’s responsibilities in developing these options is to build acceptance of its concepts through effective dialogue and engagement with a wide range of stakeholders. One of the options developed by Nirex for the long-term isolation of intermediate-level and some low-level from the accessible environment is to place these wastes in a deep underground repository, excavated in stable rock formations. The repository would remain accessible to allow future generations to have the choice of continuing to store the waste, or to dispose of the wastes by sealing and closing the repository. In conducting the scientific and technical research on this phased disposal concept, Nirex wanted its work programmes to take account of any public concerns with regard to radioactive waste and its management and proposed to develop its understanding of such concerns through public engagement. In October 2001, Nirex engaged an independent organisation to conduct a series of focus group discussions. Focus group meetings were arranged in 4 locations across the UK, selecting varying groups in terms of age, lifestage and socio-economic circumstances in order to engage a broad cross-section of the UK population. Each group attended two, 2-hour sessions on successive evenings. The first session was a general discussion of the issues of nuclear energy and radioactive waste. The second session focused on the more specific detail of the Nirex Phased Disposal Concept. Explanatory material was given to participants at each session. The work has provided some very useful information on issues, which the focus groups considered significant. The groups were able, in the short time available, to grasp many important issues and to provide their views across a range of technical areas. This work has helped Nirex to better understand ways of engaging the public in technical issues and to appreciate some of the key areas and concerns on the more technical areas associated with phased disposal. Several technical queries were identified, which the facilitators were unable to answer during the focus group discussions — Nirex has subsequently provided answers to these questions and made these available on the Nirex Bibliography. This paper describes the approach taken for the focus groups and outlines key findings from the work and some implications for Nirex in communicating technical issues to the public.

scholarly journals Constraints on food choices of women in the UK with lower educational attainment

2008 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 1229-1237 ◽  
Author(s):  
M Barker ◽  
WT Lawrence ◽  
TC Skinner ◽  
CO Haslam ◽  
SM Robinson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Educational Attainment ◽  
Food Choices ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Higher Educational ◽  
Caucasian Women ◽  
Higher Educational Attainment ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Lower Educational Attainment

AbstractObjectiveWomen of lower educational attainment have less balanced and varied diets than women of higher educational attainment. The diets of women are vital to the long-term health of their offspring. The present study aimed to identify factors that influence the food choices of women with lower educational attainment and how women could be helped to improve those choices.DesignWe conducted eight focus group discussions with women of lower educational attainment to identify these factors. We contrasted the results of these discussions with those from three focus group discussions with women of higher educational attainment.SettingSouthampton, UK.SubjectsForty-two white Caucasian women of lower educational attainment and fourteen of higher educational attainment aged 18 to 44 years.ResultsThe dominant theme in discussions with women of lower educational attainment was their sense that they lacked control over food choices for themselves and their families. Partners and children exerted a high degree of control over which foods were bought and prepared. Women’s perceptions of the cost of healthy food, the need to avoid waste, being trapped at home surrounded by opportunities to snack, and having limited skill and experience with food, all contributed to their sense they lacked control over their own and their family’s food choices.ConclusionsAn intervention to improve the food choices of women with lower educational attainment needs to increase their sense of control over their diet and the foods they buy. This might include increasing their skills in food preparation.

scholarly journals Understanding the Lived Experience of Children With Type 1 Diabetes in Kenya: Daily Routines and Adaptation Over Time

2021 ◽  
pp. 104973232110497
Author(s):  
Tom Palmer ◽  
Cynthia Waliaula ◽  
Geordan Shannon ◽  
Francesco Salustri ◽  
Gulraj Grewal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Type 1 Diabetes ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Lived Experience ◽  
Diabetes Management ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Daily Routines ◽  
Over Time

Focusing only on biomedical targets neglects the important role that psychosocial factors play in effective diabetes self-management. This study aims to understand the lived experiences of children with Type 1 Diabetes (T1DM) in Kenya. Children ( n = 15) participated in focus group discussions and photo diary data collection. Focus group discussions and semi-structured interviews were also conducted with caregivers ( n = 14). We describe an adaptation to diabetes over time, identifying four overarching themes: knowledge and awareness, economic exclusion, the importance of social support, and striving for normality. Photo diaries are then categorized to explore daily realities of diabetes management. Children with T1DM in Kenya face varied barriers to care but can lead a “normal” and fulfilling life, provided adequate support is in place. To improve the lives of children with diabetes in this context and others like it, stakeholders must take note of children’s experiences and recognize their multidimensional needs.

scholarly journals What, not just salad and veg? Consumer testing of the eatwell week

2013 ◽  
Vol 17 (7) ◽  
pp. 1640-1646 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wilma S Leslie ◽  
Jane Eunson ◽  
Lorraine Murray ◽  
Michael EJ Lean ◽  
Catherine R Hankey
Keyword(s):  
Health Professionals ◽  
General Public ◽  
Dietary Intakes ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Cooking Skills ◽  
Nutritional Guidelines ◽  
Food Standards ◽  
Consumer Testing ◽  
The Uk

AbstractObjectiveTo test the appeal of the eatwell week, a nutritionally balanced 7 d menu which satisfies nutritional guidelines of the Food Standards Agency in Scotland; determine the clarity and understanding of the main messages; and gather views on the usability and acceptability of the eatwell week resource format.DesignFocus group discussions with consumers and health professionals.SettingFour locations across the UK.ResultsThe eatwell week was considered realistic by consumers as it contained foods they recognised and already ate. A preconceived idea had been that there would be more fruit and vegetables and fewer ‘treats’. Consumers found the recipes simple and lack of cooking skills was not an apparent barrier. However, the message of ‘balance’ was poorly understood. Consumers often lacked the knowledge to make informed substitutions in the week. Both the general public and some health professionals felt the menu contained too much carbohydrate. Health professionals felt it was unclear who the eatwell week was intended for and what purpose it served.ConclusionsUse of familiar foods and the provision of simple, easy-to-follow recipes have the potential to overcome some barriers to healthy eating encountered by the general public and encourage improvements in dietary intakes. The eatwell week shows promise as a resource to facilitate implementation of the principles of the eatwell plate and supports government priorities and policies for health.

scholarly journals Consumers’ Perspectives on Eggs from Insect-Fed Hens: A UK Focus Group Study

Foods ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 420
Author(s):  
Sabrina Spartano ◽  
Simona Grasso
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Animal Welfare ◽  
Consumer Acceptance ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Focus Group Study ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Welfare Benefits ◽  
Factors Influencing ◽  
Attitudes And Perceptions ◽  
The Uk

In recent years, there has been growing interest in insects as an alternative to soybean meal as laying hen feed due to nutrition, sustainability, and animal welfare benefits. Although some studies have investigated consumer acceptance and intentions towards insect-fed foodstuffs, no studies are available on eggs from insect-fed hens. This qualitative study aimed to explore consumers’ attitudes and perceptions towards eggs from insect-fed hens and factors influencing intentions to consume and purchase the product. Three focus group discussions were employed with a total of 19 individuals from the UK. Results showed that the environmental, animal welfare, and food waste benefits of feeding hens with insects positively influenced attitudes. Results also indicated price and disgust towards insects as feed were the main barriers, while enhanced welfare standards (e.g., free-range labelling) and information on benefits were main drivers. Therefore, the study suggests that educating and informing consumers about the benefits of feeding hens with insects may increase intentions to consume and purchase eggs from insect-fed hens. Given this emerging area of research, this study contributes to the limited literature on insect-fed foodstuffs and paves the way for further research on the topic.

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