Despite increased usage of online dating platforms, perceptions of meeting partners online remain generally stigmatized. When people internalize stigmatized online dating narratives as self-stigma, there are implications for psychological wellbeing and relational health. In the current study, through an open-ended online survey, I explored online dating narratives and perceptions of stigma in the experiences of 110 participants who met their partners online. I used thematic analysis (Braun and Clark, 2006) to identify and illustrate resulting themes, which revealed that (a) a general stigma about meeting partners online persists; (b) individuals are more likely to share that they met their partner online if they perceive their audience to be trustworthy; (c) intersections of race, ethnicity, gender, and sexual orientation influence how people share their online dating narratives; (d) a hierarchy of legitimacy exists amongst online dating platforms; and (e) the benefits of meeting online often outweigh the stigma. I used both symbolic interactionist and narrative therapy frameworks to explore the implications of these findings and make suggestions for marriage and family therapists (MFT) working with clients who met their partners online. As well, I proposed competencies in online relationships for MFT education. / Ph. D. / Despite widespread usage and popularity of online dating platforms, general perceptions of online dating remain largely stigmatized. In the current study, perceptions of stigma were explored in the narratives of 110 participants who met their partners online. The resulting themes revealed that: (a) a general stigma about online dating persists; (b) online dating narratives are shared more honestly and completely with a trustworthy audience; (c) intersections of race, ethnicity, gender, and sexual orientation markedly influence how online dating narratives are shared; (d) a perceived hierarchy of legitimacy exists amongst platforms; and (e) the benefits of meeting online often outweigh the stigma of online dating. Using narrative therapy as a theoretical framework, clinical suggestions for therapists working with clients who date online were made. Suggestions for competency training in online relationship culture were also made for marriage and family therapy training programs.

With the advent of advanced program analysis and constraint solving techniques, several test generation tools use variants of symbolic execution. Symbolic techniques have been shown to be very effective in path-based test generation; however, they fail to scale to large programs due to the exponential number of paths to be explored. In this thesis, we focus on tackling this path explosion problem and propose search strategies to achieve quick branch coverage under symbolic execution, while exploring only a fraction of paths in the program. We present a reachability-guided strategy that makes use of the reachability graph of the program to explore unvisited portions of the program and a conflict driven backtracking strategy that utilizes conflict analysis to perform nonchronological backtracking. We also propose error-directed search strategies, that are aimed at catching bugs in the program faster, by targeting those parts of the program where bugs are likely to be found or those that are hard to reach. We present experimental evidence that these strategies can significantly reduce the search space and improve the speed of test generation for programs. / Master of Science

In releasing the songs "Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American)" and "American Soldier" in the aftermath of September 11, country artist Toby Keith enacts a tradition that has been established in the world of country music since the Civil War, that of producing wartime songs of patriotism. I conducted an organic analysis of both songs as rhetorical acts produced and consumed within a particular rhetorical context. Because country music is fundamentally a discourse that celebrates the attitudes, values and experiences of its audience, I first analyzed these two songs as instances of epideictic rhetoric. As an epideictic rhetor, Keith reinforces the traditional values of the country music audience, uniting them in celebration of the communal identity that renders them a rhetorical community. That shared identity enables Keith to advance a rhetorical vision of a post-September 11 reality, attributing meaning to the events of September 11 and the ensuing conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq. I use pentadic analysis to illuminate the vision presented in each song, and I utilize both media coverage and the Billboard charts to determine how well this vision "chained out" amongst the country music audience. Lastly, I utilize media coverage to explore the rhetorical context in which these songs were written and consumed. / Master of Arts

The current body of literature within sociology concerning the Internet is problematic. Much has been published on various topics concerning the Internet, but a school of thought that addresses the Internet exclusively has yet to emerge. Sociologists look to the Internet as a new place to do research on existing topics or as a new place to apply old theories. We have sociology on the Internet, but we have no sociology for the Internet. As the Internet continues to grow and internet use is proliferated, the need to understand everyday interaction on the Internet grows. More than this, the effects of the medium on society at large are still wholly speculative. We need to move past narrow research and speculation and toward new theories and correctly applied research. This thesis is largely a work in sociological theory. I will examine the history of the Internet and the history of sociological studies on the Internet. As of yet, there has been no attempt to organize the current literature of sociological studies of the Internet. This thesis is an attempt to do so. There are certain trends in sociological research concerning the Internet, and a few main schools of thought can be found. For a "Sociology of the Internet" to emerge, the literature must be brought together in a synthetic fashion and looked at with a critical eye. This will be an attempt to resolve any theoretical problems that exist and find what type of research we need the most when understanding the Internet. After a thorough review of the literature, it will be shown that what is lacking more than anything is accurate depictions of everyday life online. Thus we need research to address this problem.

In today's digital era, the way we receive, share, and interpret information has evolved dramatically due to technological advancements and shifting social dynamics. The Web 2.0 era has revolutionized communication, transforming it into an interactive exchange between content creators and audiences. This shift has empowered individuals to engage actively with information, rather than just consuming it passively. Audiences, now seen as active participants, interpret content based on their demographics and preferences, influenced by media ownership and distribution channels. Digital media platforms, particularly social media and streaming services, provide new avenues for audience engagement and participation.  Despite extensive research on digital media audiences and consumer behavior, there is a notable gap in understanding the perspectives of digital advertising professionals on their audiences. These professionals shape consumer behavior and act as intermediaries between business entities and audiences. This study examines how advertising professionals perceive their audiences through the concept of imagined audiences. By examining the formation of imagined audiences, communicators can tailor their messages to resonate with diverse audiences across various platforms. This study utilizes qualitative methods, specifically semi-structured interviews with digital advertising professionals in Indonesia, to explore their perceptions of imagined audiences. Drawing on theoretical frameworks such as Goffman's impression management, Cooley's looking-glass self, and symbolic interactionism, this research aims to provide insights into impression management practices and enhance the effectiveness of advertising efforts in the digital landscape.

Text in Afrikaans / In die ondersoek na die modus operandi van die bankrower: 'n kriminologiese introspeksie, kan die ondergemelde drie dimensies onderskei word: Die eerste dimensie is 'n kriminologiese introspeksie wat die betekenis wat bankrowers self aan die uitvoer van bankrooftogte heg, behels. Hierdie leefwereld van die subjekte word deur die navorser "betree" en mede-verken. Doelgerigtheid, morele oorwegings, teesin in geweld, charisma, kognitiewe vermoens en 'n materialistiese ingesteldheid is begrippe wat die bankrower as mens belig. Die tweede dimensie word verteenwoordig deur die begrondingsteorie as navorsingsmetode, gebaseer op die werk van Strauss en Corbin {1990), wat toegepas word ten einde sodanige navorsingsdoelstelling te fasiliteer. Tydens die aanvanklike fase van die ondersoek is daar met 28 bankrowers in aanhoud i ng, gefokusde semi -gest ruktureerde ind i epte-onderhoude gevoer. Opvolgonderhoude is met ses van die 28 subjekte gevoer, met die doel om 'n substantiewe begrondingsteorie te ontplooi, verskille op te klaar en die geldigheid van die data te verhoog. Die derde dimensie reflekteer vervolgens die ontplooiing van 'n substantiewe begrondingsteorie wat weerspieel word in proposisies en wat in vier fases van die modus operandi van die bankrower onderskei word, naamlik die beplanning-; uitvoering-; afhandeling-; en heroorwegingsfase. Elk van die ge'identifiseerde fases word gekenmerk deur progressiewe beweging, natuurlike kontinu'iteit, emosionele belewenisse en 'n individualistiese inslag. Twee kernelemente, naamlik besluitneming en rasionaliteit staan prominent binne die kader van die modus operandi van die bankrower. Die substantiewe begrondingsteorie is daarop ingestel om die verskynsel wat bestudeer word, te verklaar. Seide die oorweging van die ondersoek asook ander doelstellings van die navorser word binne die teorie geakkommodeer. Verdere vergelykende studies kan daartoe bydra om die substantiewe begrondingsteorie te verfyn, te falsifiseer, 6f by gebrek daaraan, tot 'n formele teorie uit te bou. Derhalwe word die begrondingsteorie as navorsingsmetode nie slegs as toepaslik beskou vir toekomstige navorsing oor onderwerpe waaroor daar 'n gebrek aan empiriese bevindinge bestaan en waaroor relatief min kennis in kriminologiese literatuur voorkom nie, maar hou dit ook die voordeel van 'n pluriforme navorsingstudie in. / In the investigation into the modus operandi of the bank robber: a criminological introspection, three dimensions can be distinguished. The first dimension is a criminological introspection comprising the meaning attached by bank rob.bers to the execution of bank robberies. This world of the subjects is entered and co-scouted. Sense of purpose, mora 1 considerations, aversion to violence, charisma, cognitive powers and a materialistic disposition are conceptions that elucidate the bank robber as a human. The second dimension is represented by the grounded theory as research method, based on the work of Strauss and Corbin (1990), which are applied to facilitate such research aims. During the initial phase of the investigation, focused, semi-structured, in-depth interviews were held with 28 bank robbers in detention. Subsequent interviews were held with six of the 28 subjects, aimed at expanding a substantive grounded theory, to clear up differences and to increase the validity of the data. The third dimension reflects the development of a substantive grounded theory which is revealed in propositions and signalised in four phases of the bank robber's modus operandi, namely the planning, execution, disposal and reconsideration phases. Each of these identified phases is characterised by progressive movement, natura 1 continuity, emot i ona 1 experiences and an individualistic infusion. The basic elements, namely decision-making and rationalisation, are prominent in the cadre of the bank robber's modus operandi. The substantive grounded theory is aimed at explaining the study phenomenon. Consideration of the investigation as well as other aims of the researcher are accommodated in the theory. Further comparative studies can assist in refining or falsifying the substantive grounded theory or, failing, to expand it to a formal theory. The grounded theory is therefore regarded as appropriate for future research on subjects about which there is a lack of empirical findings and relatively little knowledge in criminological literature. The theory offers, in addition, the advantage of a pluriform research study. / Sociology / D. Litt et Phil. (Kriminologie)

This study is an exploration of the representation of masculinity in film, with particular focus on the way in which the leading male characters in a purposive sample of action genre and romantic comedy genre films represent masculinity. It is posited that masculinity is a construct, the meaning of which is dependent on the social context of the individual. Film being a social artefact could then possibly influence individuals understanding of the construct. Therefore an exploration of the kind of masculinity, the variations thereof across genres, and masculine characteristics of masculinity prevalent in each genre, is a first step in understanding possible influences of the definition of masculinity. In order to accomplish this exploration, a combination of methods is used to analyse these fictional characters according to a set of codes and „real‟ world norms. The real world norms are based on seven theoretically derived norms of masculinity developed from previous research on masculinity conducted by Levant, Hirsch, Celentano, Cozza, Hill, MacEachern, Marty and Schnedekerl (1992). The results of the findings from this study indicate that the way in which male characters are created for each genre are different, with male lead characters from the action genre having more characteristics that align with the „real‟ world norms of masculinity (Levant et al 1992). Alternatively, the male lead characters from the romantic comedy genre, have fewer characteristics that align with the seven theoretically derived norms of masculinity. The masculinity represented in the romantic comedy genre is more emotionally available and expressive, less aggressive, more compromising and reliant on others; while in the action genre masculinity is more independent, stoic, aggressive and more physically adventurous. The male lead characters in the romantic comedy genre are more about the emotional aspects of masculinity while the male lead characters in the action genre are more about the physical aspects of masculinity. / Communication Science / M.A. (Communication)

(in English) The main topic of this thesis is both analysis and interpretation of the relationship between funeral rites, political power and society. Funeral rites are understood as a complex of performative, symbolic social acts, which are themselves comprised of various distinctive phases and signs. The meaning of these acts and signs is important because it can change the features and practice of the collective it is assigned to. The main purpose of this thesis is not only to perform a thick description of different kinds of communist funeral rite in the given time period but to interprate it in the wider social and cultural context as well. The concept of political religion as a heuristic tool was used in the thesis in order to distinguish an ambivalent nature of communist ideology which manifested itself in funeral rites. Funeral rites are analyzed as models for human behavior, which represent key values and norms of communist ideology. At the same time, funeral rites are analyzed as forms of cultural management. That is the reason, why are put under scrutiny not only the rites which are significant for society as a whole but also the funeral rites of individual actors.

Research question: To examine what aspects affect some consumers to avoid e-bikes and others to desire them. Purpose: The main purpose of this study is to see if e-bikes have a symbolic value. We aim to see if e-bikes is associated as an environmentally friendly product. We will examine stereotypes and brand avoidance. Further we will see what attributes consumers associate with typical users of e-bikes. Theory: To test our research question we chose our main theory of the matching process between self-image and typical user. Prior studies on e-bikes in areas as typical users and environment were analyzed. Previous studies on e-bikes were analyzed in areas such as environment and typical users. Methodology: A survey was made on two groups who are underrepresented in sales of ebikes. Students aged 21-30 and cycling enthusiasts. Results and conclusions: • We found that e-bikes have symbolic value. • Many respondents perceive e-bike users as environmentally friendly, comfortable and lazy. • E-bikes being perceived as environmentally friendly can be a pre-purchase indicator for students, but not for cycling enthusiasts • Different groups of students have conflicting user imagery, one group describe e-bikers as lazy, and another group describe e-bike users as healthy • The stereotype that e-bike users are old is not very frequent • Viewing e-bike users as lazy influences impacts the perceived value and are likely to lead to brand avoidance

Made available in DSpace on 2016-04-25T20:22:17Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Jose Carlos Pereira.pdf: 2904474 bytes, checksum: df144a92f2fea1762778a548bf557aed (MD5) Previous issue date: 2008-05-30 / Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico / This dissertation explains about the symbolical power of exclusion and inclusion exerted by the Catholic Religion in the social life of its devotees, based on the influence that it has to limit status inside or outside of its holy spaces. On the one hand, that condition is made of the reproduction of inequality and social and religious tie slackness provided by it self. On the other hand, it strengthens social laces. Furthermore, inside of the temples and on the ecclesiastical hierarchy we find privilege concessions that show clearly such contradiction. That is exhibited in successive stages, which are classified as a dialectic process, emphasizing the specificness of the anachronic and modern disparities that pass through the base of the Catholic Church. Two distinct sets were chosen in order to do this study: one in the Central region of São Paulo, known as Pinheiros sector and the other on the surroundings of Osasco, known as Santo Antonio sector. This work methodology consists in showing the counterpoint between those two different areas of the Catholic Church realm and is divided in three chapters that try to connect the dialectic procedure. The first one tells us about the holy space, which is the temple as a place of collective representation which establishes the Catholic Religion imaginary. The second one, through a map of the metropolitan area of Sao Paulo with various social indicatives, analyses the social exclusion and inclusion dialectics and its analogy to the religions factor. The third chapter talks about the faculty of the Catholic Church symbolic assets that are the seven sacraments and their exclusion and inclusion functionality both the immanent and the transcendent life of the Faithful. In the final considerations, the conclusions found in each chapter were joined again, showing in this way not only the influence the religion carries out in the social life but also the social arrangements that it enables in the community and for individual / Esta tese versa sobre o poder simbólico de excluir e incluir que a Religião Católica exerce na vida social de seus adeptos, configurada na influência que ela dispõe para circunscrever status, seja dentro ou fora de seus espaços sagrados. Por um lado, essa condição se caracteriza através da reprodução das desigualdades e do afrouxamento de vínculos religiosos e sociais por ela proporcionados. Por outro, reforça os laços sociais. Além disso, dentro dos templos e na hierarquia eclesial, há concessões de privilégios que evidenciam tal paradoxo. Isso é demonstrado em etapas sucessivas, classificadas de processo dialético, que dão ênfase às especificidades de desigualdades, anacrônicas e contemporâneas, que permeiam a estrutura da Igreja Católica. Para este estudo foram escolhidos dois campos distintos: um na região central de S. Paulo, denominado de setor Pinheiros, e outro na periferia de Osasco, chamado de setor Santo Antônio. A metodologia deste trabalho consiste num contraponto entre essas duas áreas de domínio da Igreja Católica e se divide em três capítulos que procuram concatenar o método dialético. O primeiro aborda os espaços sagrados, isto é, os templos, como lócus de representações coletivas que constituem o imaginário religioso católico. O segundo capítulo, através de um Atlas da metrópole de São Paulo com diversos indicativos societários, analisa a dialética da exclusão e inclusão social e suas correlações com o fator religião. O terceiro e último capítulo trata da faculdade dos bens simbólicos da Igreja Católica, os sete sacramentos, com suas funções inclusivas e excludentes, tanto no imanente quanto no transcendente da vida do fiel. Nas considerações finais, foram reunidas as conclusões obtidas em cada capítulo, demonstrando, assim, não apenas a influência que a referida religião exerce no mundo social, mas também o arranjo social que ela possibilita na sociedade e no indivíduo