scholarly journals A New Model for Inclusive Sports? An Evaluation of Participants’ Experiences of Mixed Ability Rugby

2017 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 130-140 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martino Corazza ◽  
Jen Dyer
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Social Networks ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Empirical Data ◽  
Personal Development ◽  
Social Inclusion ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Self Advocacy ◽  
New Model ◽  
The Uk

Sport has been recognised as a potential catalyst for social inclusion. The Mixed Ability Model represents an innovative approach to inclusive sport by encouraging disabled and non-disabled players to interact in a mainstream club environment. However, research around the impacts of the Model is currently lacking. This paper aims to contribute empirical data to this gap by evaluating participants’ experiences of Mixed Ability Rugby and highlighting implications for future initiatives. Primary qualitative data were collected within two Mixed Ability Rugby teams in the UK and Italy through online questionnaires and focus groups. Data were analysed using Simplican et al.’s (2015) model of social inclusion. Data show that Mixed Ability Rugby has significant potential for achieving inclusionary outcomes. Positive social impacts, reported by all participants, regardless of (dis)ability, include enhanced social networks, an increase in social capital, personal development and fundamental perception shifts. Factors relevant to the Mixed Ability Model are identified that enhance these impacts and inclusionary outcomes. The mainstream setting was reportedly the most important, with further aspects including a supportive club environment and promotion of self-advocacy. A ‘Wheel of Inclusion’ is developed that provides a useful basis for evaluating current inclusive sport initiatives and for designing new ones.

scholarly journals Preserving and memorialising relationships: exploring young people’s experiences of foster care through the lens of social capital

2018 ◽  
Vol 42 (2) ◽  
pp. 176-188 ◽  
Author(s):  
Justin Rogers
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Social Networks ◽  
Foster Care ◽  
Young People ◽  
Qualitative Methods ◽  
Family Life ◽  
Growing Up ◽  
Policy And Practice ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Gain Access

This article presents findings from research into how young people growing up in foster care in the UK manage the relationships in their social networks and gain access to social capital. It is a concept that highlights the value of relationships and is relevant to young people in care as they have usually experienced disruptions to their social and family life. Qualitative methods were used and the findings show that despite experiencing disruption to their social networks, the young people demonstrated that they were able to maintain access to their social capital. They achieved this in two ways. Firstly, they preserved their relationships, often through what can be seen as ordinary practices but in the extraordinary context of being in foster care. Secondly, they engaged in creative practices of memorialisation to preserve relationships that had ended or had been significantly impaired due to their experience of separation and movement. The article highlights implications for policy and practice, including the need to recognise the value of young people’s personal possessions. Furthermore, it stresses the need to support them to maintain their relationships across their networks as this facilitates their access to social capital.

Young Adult Social Networks and Labour Market Attachment: Interpersonal Dynamics that Shape Perspectives on Job Attainment

2015 ◽  
Vol 44 (4) ◽  
pp. 769-786 ◽  
Author(s):  
JOHN R. GRAHAM ◽  
MICHEAL L. SHIER ◽  
MARILYN EISENSTAT
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Social Networks ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Labour Market ◽  
Interpersonal Relationships ◽  
Social Mobility ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Personal Development ◽  
Racial Minority ◽  
Upward Social Mobility

AbstractFollowing a qualitative study design with young adults (aged seventeen to twenty-nine) of a racialised minority status (n= 36) in a low-income community in Toronto, Canada, we found that social relationships and dynamics greatly influenced perspectives towards labour market success. Respondents identified that interpersonal relationships with employers, family members and neighbourhood/community members influenced their perseverance and motivation for upward social mobility through securing and maintaining employment. The findings highlight the fundamental relationship between perceptions of upward social mobility and individual social capital. In particular, the wide array of social networks that can influence the perspectives of racial minority young adults – both positively and negatively. The findings extend contemporary discussions about the relationship between social capital and career aspirations among racial minority young adults, to include a spectrum of interrelated social networks that collectively aid in improving personal development. While contemporary discussions focus on the utility of informal knowledge sharing about career development and post-secondary attainment, the findings here demonstrate the importance of policy and programme solutions that support the mobilisation of a wider array of embedded social resources, within the social networks of racial minority young adults, that help support positive perceptions towards upward social mobility.

scholarly journals Motivations, experiences and aspirations of Trainee Nursing Associates in England. A qualitative study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel Louise King ◽  
Emily Wood ◽  
Steve Robertson ◽  
Tony Ryan ◽  
Angela Tod
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Personal Development ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
Policy And Practice ◽  
The North ◽  
Previous State ◽  
Academic Workload ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background: The nursing associate role was developed in England in response to the ‘Shape of Caring’ review. It has been implemented to fulfil two aims; to bridge the gap between registered nurses and healthcare assistants, and to provide an alternative route into registered nursing in light of workforce shortages. Other high income countries deploy second level nurses within their healthcare systems, however the UK has a turbulent history with such roles. The previous state enrolled nurse was phased out in the 1990s, and more recently the assistant practitioner (AP) role has faced wide variation in titles, scope and pay. Little is known about those who have embarked on the new nursing associate training course and their experiences of the role. Methods: An exploratory qualitative study was undertaken using focus groups of trainee nursing associates to generate in-depth discussion about their motivations, experiences of training, and career aspirations.Three focus groups (n=15) took place in December 2018 using a purposive sample of trainee nursing associates registered at a University in the North of England. Two researchers facilitated each group discussion at a time and place convenient for participants. The discussions were audio recorded, transcribed and data was analysed thematically.Results: This study found that trainee nursing associates are motivated by affordable, local, career development. During training they face challenges relating to clinical support, academic workload and uncertainty about future career opportunities. They experience role ambiguity both individually and across the wider organisation. Trainee nursing associates rely on broad support networks to build their occupational identity.Conclusions: The barriers and facilitators of trainee nursing associate personal development have implications for policy and practice relating to recruitment and retention. The results increase our understanding of this emerging role, and have informed the development of a larger longitudinal cohort study. Further research is required to evaluate the impact of this new role.

scholarly journals BUILDING SOCIAL CAPITAL THROUGH INCLUSIVE BASKETBALL

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (Suppl.1) ◽  
pp. 891-896
Author(s):  
S. Djobova ◽  
M. Borukova ◽  
I. Kirilova
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Personal Development ◽  
Social Inclusion ◽  
Life Story ◽  
Physical Disabilities ◽  
Building Trust ◽  
Sport Practice ◽  
Athletes With Disabilities ◽  
Field Notes ◽  
Program Data

The inclusive basketball program of the National Sports Academy is a compilation of adapted and unified basketball where persons with intellectual and physical disabilities together with students and volunteers are training and competing together. PURPOSE of this study is to explore the extent of contribution of our program for the building of social capital. The concept of social capital is drawn from psychology, sociology and economy. It is defined as controversial due to many theories and cultural diversity behind. METHODS: Participants in the study were all persons involved in the adapted basketball program. Data was collected using interviews, life-story techniques, field notes and tests batteries for basketball skills. RESULTS are showing improvement in personal development domain for the athletes with disabilities where sport specific skills, building trust and communications were the leading components. For the students in the same domain the leading components of improvement were attitudes and relationships. Positive change was found in the domains of social inclusion, micro-culture and participation. We also found that there is direct and indirect production of social capital. CONCLUSION: inclusive sport practice like our adapted basketball program could be considered as a powerful contributor to the building of social capital.

scholarly journals Does Participation in Social Networks Foster Trust and Respect for Other People—Evidence from Poland

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 1733 ◽  
Author(s):  
Beata Łopaciuk-Gonczaryk
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Social Networks ◽  
Fixed Effects ◽  
Social Inclusion ◽  
Social Trust ◽  
Informal Networks ◽  
Generalized Trust ◽  
The Social ◽  
The Family

A shortage of social capital may hinder sustainable development. According to the “social capital dream” there is a virtuous circle between participation in social networks, trust, and cooperation. It is a promising idea for proponents of sustainability, as it is easier to promote participation than affect social norms. Participation may, however, lead to particularized and not generalized trust, which hinders social inclusion and undermines the idea of a sustainable society. The aim of this paper is to validate the role of participation in informal and formal social networks in enhancing social trust and respect towards others. The relevance of both strong and weak ties is considered. Fixed-effects modeling on three-wave data from a Polish social survey is utilized. An increase in generalized trust corresponds with an increase in the acquaintances network, a decrease in the family and friends network, and an increase in volunteering. A rise in expectations about the cooperativeness of others is enhanced by an increase in the family and friends network, and by volunteering. The lack of respect for some groups of people is not affected by participation in organizations and informal networks. Overall within-person heterogeneity is small, suggesting that possibilities for fostering moral trust by participation are limited.

scholarly journals How can leaders and managers in the Police support the learning of others and at the same time, support their own?

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 228-247 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jenni Jones
Keyword(s):  
Focus Groups ◽  
Personal Development ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Line Managers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Team Members ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Moderating Factors ◽  
The Uk

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to attempt to demonstrate that formal mentoring is a helpful tool to develop managers within the changing context of the UK Police, and to highlight how managers can have an influence on mentoring programmes and the learning within them. Design/methodology/approach A longitudinal qualitative case study approach was chosen and semi-structured interviews were conducted alongside focus groups. Findings The findings showed that both mentees and mentors perceived they were learning within the mentoring relationship. Also, despite some common themes in relation to the key moderating factors, managers were seen as both facilitating and hindering these mentoring relationships. Research limitations/implications It was recognised that although interesting to compare and contrast the findings between the two different case study organisations, the findings drawn from this study may not be directly applicable to other mentoring programmes beyond these UK Police Forces. More could have been explored in the focus groups and information could have been collected from those that did not attend the interviews or the focus groups. Originality/value This research adds value as there is little written about the mentoring and managers, within the interesting changing context of the UK Police force. The insights from this mentoring research suggest that there is much learning to be gained by both parties through mentoring and that line managers need to be encouraged away from the day to day reactive approach towards being more proactive with supporting the personal development of their team members (and themselves) into the future. If they are more involved and supportive of learning and development interventions, then they and their team members will gain more from the experience and this will ultimately help them to make a more positive difference within their role.

Working Outside the Box: Community Currencies, Time Banks and Social Inclusion

2004 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-71 ◽  
Author(s):  
GILL SEYFANG
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Social Exclusion ◽  
Social Inclusion ◽  
Local Community ◽  
Informal Employment ◽  
Voluntary Work ◽  
Local Exchange ◽  
Community Currencies ◽  
Formal Employment ◽  
The Uk

A conceptual framework is developed for analysing UK social policy with respect to work, employment, inclusion and income. A range of possibilities for ‘productive engagement in work’ (PEW) outside the home are identified, ranging from formal employment, through informal employment, working for local community currencies, to unpaid voluntary work, each attracting particular policy responses, according to the hegemonic discourse of social exclusion, namely a liberal individualistic model which sees insertion into the labour market as the solution to exclusion. A new initiative is examined which is increasingly being adopted by local authorities in their efforts to tackle social exclusion and build social capital, namely ‘time banks’: a type of community currency which rewards people in time credits for the work they put into their neighbourhoods. Time banks are found to occupy a space in between what is already known about informal employment, LETS (Local Exchange Trading Schemes) and volunteering, raising a number of issues for policy makers and practitioners. While time banks may be promoted within the UK government's social inclusion remit as a means of increasing job-readiness through volunteering, they have wider and deeper implications. They represent a response to a radical social democratic understanding of social exclusion and hence exert a collective effort to redefine what is considered ‘valuable work’, and thus present an alternative to hegemonic paradigms of work and welfare; their greatest potential is as a radical tool for collective social capital building, resulting in more effective social, economic and political citizenship, and hence social inclusion. Policy recommendations are made to enable time banks to flourish and provide a powerful tool for achieving social inclusion objectives.

scholarly journals Motivations, experiences and aspirations of Trainee Nursing Associates in England. A qualitative study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel Louise King ◽  
Tony Ryan ◽  
Emily Wood ◽  
Angela Tod ◽  
Steve Robertson
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Personal Development ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
Policy And Practice ◽  
The North ◽  
Previous State ◽  
Academic Workload ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

Abstract BackgroundThe nursing associate role was developed in England in response to the ‘Shape of Caring’ review. It has been implemented to fulfil two aims; to bridge the gap between registered nurses and healthcare assistants, and to provide an alternative route into registered nursing in light of workforce shortages.Other high income countries deploy second level nurses within their healthcare systems, however the UK has a turbulent history with such roles. The previous state enrolled nurse was phased out in the 1990s, and more recently the assistant practitioner (AP) role has faced wide variation in titles, scope and pay. Little is known about those who have embarked on the new nursing associate training course and their experiences of the role.MethodsAn exploratory qualitative study was undertaken using focus groups of trainee nursing associates to generate in-depth discussion about their motivations, experiences of training, and career aspirations.Three focus groups (n=15) took place in December 2018 using a purposive sample of trainee nursing associates registered at a University in the North of England. Two researchers facilitated each group discussion at a time and place convenient for participants. The discussions were audio recorded, transcribed and data was analysed thematically.ResultsThis study found that trainee nursing associates are motivated by affordable, local, career development. During training they face challenges relating to clinical support, academic workload and uncertainty about future career opportunities. They experience role ambiguity both individually and across the wider organisation. Trainee nursing associates rely on broad support networks to build their occupational identity.ConclusionsThe barriers and facilitators of trainee nursing associate personal development have implications for policy and practice relating to recruitment and retention. The results increase our understanding of this emerging role, and have informed the development of a larger longitudinal cohort study. Further research is required to evaluate the impact of this new role.

scholarly journals Does it do what it says on the tin? – Evaluation of an established UK University Employability Enhancement Award.

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 152-171 ◽  
Author(s):  
Toni Wright ◽  
Sarah Jeffries-Watts
Keyword(s):  
Focus Groups ◽  
Survey Data ◽  
Work Experience ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Graduate Employment ◽  
Perception Of Self ◽  
Experience Survey ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The University

University employability awards, in the UK particularly, aim to assist students to develop career related skills and attributes and thus increase their potential to achieve graduate level employment. Self-report quantitative and qualitative data were collected at intervals via questionnaires, interviews and focus groups from two cohorts (N = 212) of a well-established career development and employability award at a large civic UK university. Findings indicated increases in confidence and aspiration, and in the ability to articulate and apply skills and abilities; also that the award may convey similar benefits to work experience. Survey data from award completers indicated that they had changed their career related behaviour, and students who have completed the award show a consistent small increase in their level of graduate employment when compared to the graduate employment figure for the university as a whole in the UK university destinations data.Employability related values, attitudes and behaviour may all change as a result of award experience. Reported changes implied a sense of improved resourcefulness. It is hypothesised that the award may enhance student employability somewhat via development of psychosocial resources, producing a shift in the student’s perception of self and identity.

Social Inclusion as Freedom for Persons Living with Mental Illness

2019 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-35
Author(s):  
Phyllis Montgomery ◽  
Amy Wuest ◽  
Cheryl Forchuk ◽  
Tracy Smith-Carrier ◽  
Momodou S. Jeng (Mo) ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Social Services ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Social Inclusion ◽  
Community Integration ◽  
Complex Needs ◽  
Health And Social Services

This study describes the meaning of social inclusion to persons living with mental illness and poverty. Participants were recruited from health and social services where they completed the Community Integration Questionnaire (CIQ). From this sample, 46 participants attended one of three focus groups that corresponded with their self-reported CIQ scores. Thematic analysis showed that regardless of their CIQ scores, participants described freedom as both a liberating process for, and outcome of, social inclusion; freedom allows for the accumulation of health and social capital commensurate with one’s complex needs, and freedom represents success in the construction life surrounded by affirming others.

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