Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) are characterized by difficulties in social interaction and communication. Recent studies within the social sciences have espoused a need to reconceptualize autism out of the domain of the intrapersonal and into the realm of the sociocultural. Semi-structured in-depth interviewing was used to examine the selfperceptions and experiences of twelve people who identified as on the autism spectrum. Social scientists have tended to grant the topic of autism to the domain of psychology; as a result autistic perception has been stigmatized resulting in the exclusion of autistic perspectives in knowledge production on the lived experiences of autistic actors. The first-hand accounts examined in this study lend support to the idea that symbolic interactionism provides a more nuanced framework for studying how autistic perception influences autistic experience in contrast to the functionalist-reductionist approach of cognitive psychology. From this perspective we can position autistic differences in disposition and interaction as socioculturally situated rather than as solely a result of individual cognitive impairment. The application of microsociological concepts to autistic perception and interaction has the potential to expand knowledge on both autistic experience and the social construction of normative order.

In a world of development and scarce resources sustainable development has been presented as an approach of dealing with our issues of welfare. Economic, environmental and social aspects are incorporated in the approach in order to solve the problems of today. While sustainable development is pervaded in policies and planning of nations and communities, the three aspects of it have all specific definitions which are to be applied, some aspects are well defined whilst others are not yet fully determined. The purpose of this qualitative study is to highlight the social aspect of sustainable development. The social sustainability is assessed by investigating how a municipality in Sweden meets the variables of social sustainability established by the Swedish government. It investigates the structure plans of a community south of Stockholm, Haninge Municipality. It seeks to understand how the municipality implements social sustainability in practice to solve the issues of the alienated residential area Jordbro. By using a method of interpretation of texts in form of governmental documents of social sustainability, municipal structure plans together with incorporated interviews with locals and an internship at the municipality house of Haninge, the study gives a comprehensive understanding of social sustainability in Stockholm and issues which the municipality is to deal with. It indicates that social sustainability is taking a smaller role in the structure planning documents of the municipality, and it also indicates a lack of interaction and incorporation of locals. Furthermore the study suggests some solutions to the problems of social sustainability.

Alzheimer disease (AD) and related dementias affect nearly one in thirteen Canadians over the age of 65. Difficulties in communicating are frequently cited as the greatest source of stress for individuals who have a diagnosis of dementia and their families. Despite the wide recognition that the family is affected by a relative’s diagnosis of dementia, there has been little research aimed at understanding the experience of the family as a unit. The purpose of this study is to gain insight into the family experience of communicating with a relative who has dementia. This study used a qualitative single case study design, drawing on the theory of Symbolic Interactionism. Three members of one family participated in two individual interviews and a family interview. The family member who was experiencing symptoms associated with AD but whose diagnosis was referred to as “cognitive impairment” (CI), participated in one individual interview. Interviews were transcribed and the data was analyzed using constant comparative analysis. The findings that emerged from the data indicate that the participating family approached communication with the intention of achieving three particular goals in their interactions. These goals were to include, protect, and bring happiness to their afflicted family member. Three strategies were identified as the primary strategies used to achieve these goals: interpreting, scripting, and translating. Further, the family was organized in such a way that members were positioned either as part of the ‘core’ of the family or on the ‘outskirts’ of the family. Family members that pursued and achieved the three goals in their interactions with the relative who has CI were considered to be part of the core while others who were not willing or capable of interacting in this way were positioned on the outskirts of the family. Understanding the communication experience of the family as a unit offers a vital link to meet the needs of families dealing with the effects of CI. This knowledge will aid in formulating important new questions and insights for researchers and clinicians to provide the care and support necessary to promote the well-being of families affected by CI.

Leadership represents a diverse and dynamic area of study, occupying a vast area in sociological literature. However, the nonprofit sector is somewhat neglected in literature that examines leadership as a performance. Heightened demand for accountability, funding shortages and other challenges in the nonprofit sector have spurred recent trends such as coalition-building and business-like practices. Nonprofit leaders must satisfy multiple internal and external stakeholders with opposing values and expectations. This creates a rich and yet incomplete area in which to study impression management. This thesis employs an interpretivist perspective, specifically utilizing symbolic interactionism to understand how the participants create and maintain impressions. By employing Erving Goffman’s dramaturgical metaphors, this thesis addresses how the participants use symbolic representations of leadership in order to create desired impressions. It also explores the strategies used by the participants in order to present a front of competent leadership during the interviews. Lastly, the research asks the participants to reflect on their impression management activities. To address these questions, 19 leaders were interviewed at 11 different nonprofits in Canada and in Egypt for approximately one hour each, using face-to-face semi-structured interviews. Simple observation was also applied. A combination of purposive, snowball and convenience sampling was used to select the organizations. iv The research offers a number of significant findings. First, the manner and appearances of the leaders and the design of their office space provides avenues in which to convey leadership, financial and organizational messages, as well as information about the leaders’ roles and statuses. For example, visual cues may be used to express their participative approach to leadership, convey organizational frugality or success and create a corporate culture. Second, the participants commonly self-identified as benevolent and humble “servant leaders” by attempting to appear as mentors. They downplayed their authority and claimed to integrate staff feedback into the organization. They also claimed to employ a benevolent form of discipline that focuses on learning. When discussing mistakes, the participants claimed to respond in an ideal way, by apologizing and learning from their errors. However, they claimed to, at times, act authoritatively and convey “professionalism.” The leaders displayed their authority during the course of the interview and laid claim to qualifications that made them especially suited for the job. These kinds of inconsistencies suggest that impression management is not static or flawless, but rather a series of performances fraught with contradiction and tension. Third, about half of the participants admitted to consciously changing their behaviour, language and appearances in situations in order to build trust with stakeholders. This involves at times appearing “professional” while at other times self-humbling in order to build a shared-identity with others. The participants struggle to appear sincere, but recognize that their impressions are sometimes met with suspicion. There are limitations to the sampling technique and research design. A larger sample that interviewed a group of leaders from one region would be preferable to this small, cross-national one. In this thesis it is impossible to know whether the participants’ claims are warranted. Longitudinal participant observation would enable the researcher to see inconsistencies and also to understand how others interpret the leaders’ impression management attempts. However, the research has many benefits; in addition to contributing to the literature and providing examples of Goffman’s dramaturgical metaphors in the context of nonprofit leadership, this thesis may assist leaders in their goals. This thesis could lead to increased self-reflexivity or sharing of impression management techniques and could potentially assist nonprofit leaders with their tenuous missions.

Leadership represents a diverse and dynamic area of study, occupying a vast area in sociological literature. However, the nonprofit sector is somewhat neglected in literature that examines leadership as a performance. Heightened demand for accountability, funding shortages and other challenges in the nonprofit sector have spurred recent trends such as coalition-building and business-like practices. Nonprofit leaders must satisfy multiple internal and external stakeholders with opposing values and expectations. This creates a rich and yet incomplete area in which to study impression management. This thesis employs an interpretivist perspective, specifically utilizing symbolic interactionism to understand how the participants create and maintain impressions. By employing Erving Goffman’s dramaturgical metaphors, this thesis addresses how the participants use symbolic representations of leadership in order to create desired impressions. It also explores the strategies used by the participants in order to present a front of competent leadership during the interviews. Lastly, the research asks the participants to reflect on their impression management activities. To address these questions, 19 leaders were interviewed at 11 different nonprofits in Canada and in Egypt for approximately one hour each, using face-to-face semi-structured interviews. Simple observation was also applied. A combination of purposive, snowball and convenience sampling was used to select the organizations. iv The research offers a number of significant findings. First, the manner and appearances of the leaders and the design of their office space provides avenues in which to convey leadership, financial and organizational messages, as well as information about the leaders’ roles and statuses. For example, visual cues may be used to express their participative approach to leadership, convey organizational frugality or success and create a corporate culture. Second, the participants commonly self-identified as benevolent and humble “servant leaders” by attempting to appear as mentors. They downplayed their authority and claimed to integrate staff feedback into the organization. They also claimed to employ a benevolent form of discipline that focuses on learning. When discussing mistakes, the participants claimed to respond in an ideal way, by apologizing and learning from their errors. However, they claimed to, at times, act authoritatively and convey “professionalism.” The leaders displayed their authority during the course of the interview and laid claim to qualifications that made them especially suited for the job. These kinds of inconsistencies suggest that impression management is not static or flawless, but rather a series of performances fraught with contradiction and tension. Third, about half of the participants admitted to consciously changing their behaviour, language and appearances in situations in order to build trust with stakeholders. This involves at times appearing “professional” while at other times self-humbling in order to build a shared-identity with others. The participants struggle to appear sincere, but recognize that their impressions are sometimes met with suspicion. There are limitations to the sampling technique and research design. A larger sample that interviewed a group of leaders from one region would be preferable to this small, cross-national one. In this thesis it is impossible to know whether the participants’ claims are warranted. Longitudinal participant observation would enable the researcher to see inconsistencies and also to understand how others interpret the leaders’ impression management attempts. However, the research has many benefits; in addition to contributing to the literature and providing examples of Goffman’s dramaturgical metaphors in the context of nonprofit leadership, this thesis may assist leaders in their goals. This thesis could lead to increased self-reflexivity or sharing of impression management techniques and could potentially assist nonprofit leaders with their tenuous missions.

Alzheimer disease (AD) and related dementias affect nearly one in thirteen Canadians over the age of 65. Difficulties in communicating are frequently cited as the greatest source of stress for individuals who have a diagnosis of dementia and their families. Despite the wide recognition that the family is affected by a relative’s diagnosis of dementia, there has been little research aimed at understanding the experience of the family as a unit. The purpose of this study is to gain insight into the family experience of communicating with a relative who has dementia. This study used a qualitative single case study design, drawing on the theory of Symbolic Interactionism. Three members of one family participated in two individual interviews and a family interview. The family member who was experiencing symptoms associated with AD but whose diagnosis was referred to as “cognitive impairment” (CI), participated in one individual interview. Interviews were transcribed and the data was analyzed using constant comparative analysis. The findings that emerged from the data indicate that the participating family approached communication with the intention of achieving three particular goals in their interactions. These goals were to include, protect, and bring happiness to their afflicted family member. Three strategies were identified as the primary strategies used to achieve these goals: interpreting, scripting, and translating. Further, the family was organized in such a way that members were positioned either as part of the ‘core’ of the family or on the ‘outskirts’ of the family. Family members that pursued and achieved the three goals in their interactions with the relative who has CI were considered to be part of the core while others who were not willing or capable of interacting in this way were positioned on the outskirts of the family. Understanding the communication experience of the family as a unit offers a vital link to meet the needs of families dealing with the effects of CI. This knowledge will aid in formulating important new questions and insights for researchers and clinicians to provide the care and support necessary to promote the well-being of families affected by CI.

Within the academic discussion, water is argued to be a ‘multifaceted resource’, yet, the social and cultural dimensions of water have received little attention. Furthermore, authors have highlighted a need to explore the phenomenon from both, the macro and micro level, however, debates regarding water tend to revolve around the former. Following the need for a more local perspective, this study looks into water practices of a household, like using a watering can to irrigate crops or purifying water for consumption, as well as the environment in which these occur. Recognising that change is essential for development, it also explores if improvement of these practices is needed, and how development of these, if so, may be encouraged. One perspective fostering such an understanding is Symbolic Interactionism, focusing on individuals and their behaviour and how this is influenced by their perceived reality and the interaction with oneself and others. This perspective is utilised as the analytical framework in order to explore people’s lives and their experiences. The research was carried out as a field work during April and May, 2013, in Ribáuè, Mozambique. This study concludes that there is a recognised need to develop water practices in order to support and create favourable outcomes for households. One of the factors that this study highlights as important is to acknowledge individuals’ cognitive process in relation to the visible actions performed, emphasising the significance of taking both processes into account when attempting to encourage the development of water practices. For instance, it is advisable to provide not only theoretical instructions, but also to demonstrate and let the individuals carry out new practices. By taking such factors into account, this may strengthen the efforts to encourage a household to develop its water practices. This study also proposes potential perspectives for future research.

Thesis (Ph.D.) -- McMaster University, 1997. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 176-185). Also available via World Wide Web.

This thesis seeks to develop our understanding of the contemporary crime communication landscape. While this landscape is considered in its constituent parts, including specific features of current British politics, the evolving media sphere and the voice of the public, this thesis argues for a conceptualization of this realm that grasps its fluid and dynamic character. Original research is conducted through case studies of the 2010 UK General Election, the Phone Hacking Scandal and the 2011 Riots. Discourse analysis is employed in order to enhance our awareness of supralinguistic behaviour and of the play of power in the construction of crime narratives. This is contrasted with influential current accounts of ‘populism’ which, it is argued here, tend to be unduly deterministic and to err towards the dystopian. The research suggests that structural shifts in the media landscape, specifically the recent ubiquity of new media coinciding with an undermining of the singular tabloid narrative, have enabled a redistribution of power in the symbolic construction of crime which can make it harder for political actors to capture the crime question for populist purposes. Furthermore, this shift has empowered the public voice and has infused political debate with a chaotic plurality of views. Nevertheless, the symbolic weight of crime issues remains prominent in this landscape and Randall Collins’ Interaction Ritual Chains (2004) is employed to add a microsociological picture of the escalation from small scale narrative to broad righteous anger. This requires an adaptation of this model to address interactions that occur outside the context of physical co-presence. Such perspectives on the plurality of mediated communication today both broaden and update our grasp of the political communication of crime and in so doing argue for a degree of optimism concerning the scope for democratic debate about criminal justice issues.

Alzheimer disease (AD) and related dementias affect nearly one in thirteen Canadians over the age of 65. Difficulties in communicating are frequently cited as the greatest source of stress for individuals who have a diagnosis of dementia and their families. Despite the wide recognition that the family is affected by a relative’s diagnosis of dementia, there has been little research aimed at understanding the experience of the family as a unit. The purpose of this study is to gain insight into the family experience of communicating with a relative who has dementia. This study used a qualitative single case study design, drawing on the theory of Symbolic Interactionism. Three members of one family participated in two individual interviews and a family interview. The family member who was experiencing symptoms associated with AD but whose diagnosis was referred to as “cognitive impairment” (CI), participated in one individual interview. Interviews were transcribed and the data was analyzed using constant comparative analysis. The findings that emerged from the data indicate that the participating family approached communication with the intention of achieving three particular goals in their interactions. These goals were to include, protect, and bring happiness to their afflicted family member. Three strategies were identified as the primary strategies used to achieve these goals: interpreting, scripting, and translating. Further, the family was organized in such a way that members were positioned either as part of the ‘core’ of the family or on the ‘outskirts’ of the family. Family members that pursued and achieved the three goals in their interactions with the relative who has CI were considered to be part of the core while others who were not willing or capable of interacting in this way were positioned on the outskirts of the family. Understanding the communication experience of the family as a unit offers a vital link to meet the needs of families dealing with the effects of CI. This knowledge will aid in formulating important new questions and insights for researchers and clinicians to provide the care and support necessary to promote the well-being of families affected by CI. / Applied Science, Faculty of / Nursing, School of / Graduate