This thesis explores the structure and delivery of education programs to justice-involved adults in Canadian federal prisons and in the community. A series of semi-structured interviews as well as three volumes of the Journal for Prisoners on Prisons were analyzed using a qualitative approach to determine whether or not principles of adult education and components of performative space are present in current correctional education strategies. The findings suggest that while there are occurrences of both elements in the education that is provided to prisoners, the programs in the community are much more reflective of these adult learning standards. This project highlights the need for research into the area of adult correctional education, increased collaboration between the fields of criminology and education, and provides a framework from which future research can continue.

The aim of this qualitative study was to look at social capital formation among at-risk students in an alternative education program. Social capital has been applied to a broad range of fields to highlight the benefits that individuals, organizations and communities accrue from supportive relationships and networks. However, to date no research has looked specifically at social capital formation among at-risk students in a Canadian alternative high school. For this reason the author decided to examine the lived experiences of twelve Canadian at-risk students currently attending Sunnyside Alternative High School, with the aim of describing how social capital was fostered. The mainstream school and alternative school experiences of the students were compared based on the research questions and a conceptual framework of social capital formation. The findings of the research confirmed the importance of affective bonding social capital, as well as an inclusive learning environment at the alternative school.

Guanxi, the Chinese term for social connections, has long been a key subject of interest in Chinese management research. Despite the conceptual and empirical efforts of earlier studies to address the nature, instrumentality, and managerial implications of guanxi, the extent to and the ways in which guanxi is deployed in the actual decision-making process in contemporary Chinese organisations remains ambiguous. Cont/d...

Community-based approaches to natural resource management have become increasingly popular because of their potential to stimulate rural economic development and promote sustainable natural resource use. The appeal of such approaches have been supported by recent developments in economic theory regarding collective action and common property institutions, which have replaced the long-held idea that resources held in common are doomed to overuse and degradation. In particular, a wide array of empirical and experimental studies have led to the emergence of ‘second generation’ collective action theories which are able to reconcile observed behaviour in social dilemma settings with rational choice theory. Second generation theories of collective action also encompass the concept of social capital; viewing forms of social capital as the fundamental motivations for collective action. Therefore, based on a second generation theoretical framework, social capital ought to play an important role in the emergence and maintenance of self-driven CBNRM projects. Despite this, there have been limited assessments of the explicit role of social capital in cases of self-driven CBNRM. Consequently, this study set out to evaluate the role of social capital and its relationship with the performance of a self-driven CBNRM case study in South Africa. In order to achieve this aim, a mixed methods research design was employed to assess the roles and relationships of social capital at different levels of analysis. Qualitative results highlighted the major role of social capital in building various forms of trust at the project level. On the other hand, quantitative results obtained from exploratory factor analysis uncovered a number of latent dimensions of social capital at the household level. In addition, two binary logistic regression models demonstrated both positive and negative relationships between latent dimensions of household-level social capital and indicators of successful collective action in the Umgano Project. The crucial role of traditional leaders in maintaining and mobilizing social capital was a cross-cutting feature of the results in this study. Overall, the findings of this study support the stance of second generation collective action theories regarding the role of social capital in enhancing collective action outcomes. / Dissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 2015. / Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development / Unrestricted

Urban inequality has emerged as one of the dominant themes of modern life and globalization. More than three million people experienced homelessness in the United States last year; in Miami-Dade, more than 15,000 individuals were homeless. Surviving extreme poverty, and exiting or avoiding homelessness, involves negotiating a complex mix of public and private assistance. However, a range of factors influence what types of help are available and how they can be accessed. Frequently, larger social structures determine which resource are available, leaving many choices entirely out of the individual’s control. For single men, who are ineligible for many benefits, homelessness can be difficult to avoid and even harder to exit. My study seeks to better understand how adult, minority men living in extreme poverty in Miami-Dade negotiate their daily survival. Specific research questions address: Do black and Hispanic men who are homeless or at risk of homelessness have different personal characteristics and different experiences in avoiding or exiting homelessness? How does Miami’s response to extreme poverty/homelessness, including availability of public benefits and public and private service organizations, either maximize or constrain the choices available to this population? And, what is the actual experience of single, adult men who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, in negotiating their daily survival? A mixed methods approach combines quantitative survey data from 7,605 homeless men, with qualitative data from 54 semi-structured interviews incorporating the visual ethnography techniques of Photo Elicitation Interviewing. Results show the differences experienced by black and Hispanic men who are poor and homeless in Miami. Findings also highlight how the community’s official and unofficial responses to homelessness intersect with the actual experiences of the persons targeted by the policies and programs, challenging preconceived notions regarding the lives of persons living in extreme poverty. It adds to the existing body of literature by focusing on the urban Miami context, emphasizing disparities amongst racial and ethnic groups. Findings are intended to provide an empirically grounded thesis that humanizes the subjects and illuminates their personal experiences, helping to inform public policy around the needs of extremely poor populations.

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The study aimed to explore women entrepreneurs’ experiences using social capital to develop their manufacturing businesses. Social capital has apparent benefits for developing women-owned businesses. The manufacturing sector has traditionally been male-dominated globally, therefore to promote inclusivity the need arose to explore the dynamics of social capital and its perceived benefits, to gain an insightful understanding of the value it might hold for both academics and business. Valuable insights were gained on the combination of creating and sustaining relationships, and social networking as influencers that impacts the accumulation of social capital. This research set out to discover the main drivers of social capital, obtain narratives regarding the barriers and enablers in accessing social networks. Deeper understanding was gained on how support structures act as resources to develop women-owned businesses. The study highlighted the need to promote cultural and societal transformation with social capital being a critical component to develop of women’s entrepreneurship. / Mini Dissertation (MBA)--University of Pretoria, 2021. / Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) / MBA / Unrestricted

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The purpose of this research was to study the influence of strong and weak social network ties on the phenomenon of bullying by examining the social ties leading to, or preventing bullying. Social ties were examined in relation to bullying, to establish the risk and protective factors associated with the structures of existing social networks. The study answered the research question: How does the strength of social ties relate to the phenomenon of bullying experienced by Grade 4 learners in a school environment? The secondary research questions addressed by the study were: What types of social ties are prevalent in bullies' and victims' networks? How do social ties act as protective factors when regarding bullying for the Grade 4 victims and bullies? How do social ties act as risk factors when regarding bullying for the Grade 4 victims and bullies? Social capital theory formed the basis of the theoretical framework. This study made use of an interpretivist paradigm, and employed a qualitative approach. This study was conducted using an exploratory, embedded case study design. One-on-one, semi-structured interviews, observations and reflexive journal were used to gather data. The data was analysed using thematic content analysis. Bullies were found to have more weak network ties than victims. Weak ties are largely necessary for the exchange of resources across networks, leading to greater diversity and variety of information, thus increasing access to social capital. Future research recommendations included a mixed-methods study, as well as an examination of the longevity of bullying and social network status. Recommendations included interventions aimed at reducing the incidences of bullying through addressing unrealised assets within social networks, and the wider social context, alongside teacher training. / Dissertation (MEd)--University of Pretoria, 2016. / Educational Psychology / MEd / Unrestricted

En la actualidad las marcas de zapatillas urbanas están siendo afectadas por las nuevas tendencias de consumo en donde los clientes buscan experiencias en cada producto y algún bien intangible que puedan rescatar más allá de cumplir con una primera necesidad. Las redes sociales y los movimientos mediáticos son los principales autores de este tipo de “deseo” por cada producto y si no es totalmente relevante, rápidamente queda en el olvido. En la siguiente investigación se determina cuan real es el valor que tienen las personas por las marcas famosas o recomendadas y como los representantes de marcas o “influencers”, plantean un estilo de vida deseable para un buen grupo de personas y en ellos se manifiestan marcas y productos que son esenciales para que este estilo de vida se pueda llevar a cabo. Las recomendaciones y sugerencias de productos de estos personajes son muy importantes y mueve masas para el consumo. Es por ello se requiere analizar la realidad de los productos, y que sucede si sus intermediarios dejan de auspiciarlos, que tan real es su relevancia para las personas y cuál es el trabajo que las marcas realizan además de convocar a los representantes. / Currently, urban sneaker brands are being affected by new consumer trends where customers seek experiences in each product and some intangible asset that they can rescue beyond meeting a first need. Social networks and media movements are the main authors of this type of “desire” for each product and if it is not totally relevant, it is quickly forgotten. In the following investigation it is determined how real is the value that people have for the famous or recommended brands and how the brands representatives or “influencers” propose a desirable lifestyle for a good group of people and in them brands and products that are essential for this lifestyle to take place are manifested. The recommendations and product suggestions of these characters are very important and move masses for consumption. That is why it is necessary to analyze the reality of the products, and what happens if their intermediaries stop sponsoring them, how real is their relevance to people and what is the work that brands do in addition to summoning representatives. / Trabajo de investigación