Change in Self-Esteem and Physical Aggression During Treatment for Partner Violent Men

The role of low self-esteem in aggressive behavior has been questioned by theorists who claim that inflated, rather than deflated, self-esteem is associated with violence, and that societal efforts to increase self-esteem may actually increase, rather than decrease, violent behavior. This conjecture was tested in two treatment samples of partner violent men, one (n = 61) that received a behavioral intervention, and one (n = 107) that received a workshop program designed to enhance compassion for self and others. Both samples reported significant reductions in relationship violence perpetration and significant increases in self-esteem from pre- to post-treatment. In both samples, change in self-esteem was inversely correlated with change in physical aggression. Follow-up data from victims were available for one of the samples, and revealed that self-esteem and its enhancement during treatment did not significantly predict relationship violence during the year after treatment. These results indicate that self-esteem enhancement during treatment for partner violent men is correlated with violence reduction, and does not increase the risk for subsequent relationship aggression.     

Spoiling the situation: reflections on the development and research field

The development field as a site for research and practice has largely escaped critical scrutiny in development studies. Accounts of the conceptualisation of the field have not been complemented with an examination of the practices that maintain the field as a site conducive to development. This paper draws on experiences working with small, local NGOs in India to examine how the field is maintained, and the underlying logic that underpins the relationship between developers and “developees”. In problematising the field, I draw attention to overlooked ethical and political implications of participatory development.

Gâter la situation: réflexions sur le domaine de la recherche et du développement

Le domaine du développement en tant que site pour les recherches et la pratique a largement échappé à un examen critique dans le cadre des études de développement. Les comptes rendus de la conceptualisation du domaine n'ont pas été assortis d'un examen des pratiques qui maintiennent le terrain comme un site propice au développement. Cet article s'inspire des expériences de travail avec de petites ONG locales en Inde pour examiner la manière dont le terrain est maintenu et la logique sous-jacente qui étaye la relation entre les « développeurs » et les « développés ». En problématisant le terrain, j'attire l'attention sur des implications éthiques et politiques oubliées du développement participatif.

Estropear la situación: reflexiones sobre el campo de la investigación y el desarrollo

El desarrollo, como ámbito para la investigación y la práctica, en buena medida ha escapado del escrutinio crítico de los estudios realizados en torno a él. Las investigaciones sobre su conceptualización no han sido respaldadas por un análisis de las prácticas que hacen que el campo sea un sitio propicio para el desarrollo. El presente artículo se basa en diversas experiencias de trabajo con pequeñas ONG locales de India. Dichas experiencias han sido realizadas para determinar de qué manera se mantiene este ámbito y, a la vez, para comprender la lógica subyacente que sostiene la relación entre sujetos y objetos del desarrollo. Al emprender esta problematización del desarrollo,la autora se centra en las implicaciones éticas y políticas pasadas por alto cuando de desarrollo participativo se trata.

Estragando a situação: reflexões sobre o campo de pesquisa e desenvolvimento

O desenvolvimento como área de pesquisa e prática tem em grande parte escapado de uma análise crítica em estudos de desenvolvimento. As considerações sobre a conceituação da área não têm sido complementadas por um exame das práticas que a definem como um instrumento que conduz ao desenvolvimento. Este artigo baseia-se nas experiências de trabalho com ONGs pequenas e locais da Índia para examinar como a área é mantida e a lógica subjacente que sustenta a relação entre desenvolvedores e “os que serão desenvolvidos”. Ao problematizar a área, eu chamo a atenção para as implicações éticas e políticas do desenvolvimento participativo que são negligenciadas.     

The illegal trade of raptors in the Russian Federation

Wildlife trafficking, along with other green crimes, receives little attention from the criminological community. This study provides further knowledge of this black market, and exposes the structural harms that are associated with it, by examining the illegal trade in falcons in Russian Far East. The structural harms proposed here are that wildlife trafficking, and the illegal raptor trade in particular endangers the environment, is cruel to animals, and threatens national and human security because of its connection to other dangerous illicit activities. Through semi‐structured interviews, trade statistics, and online news sources, a framework is developed as to who is involved, how it is occurring, and where it is taking place as well as possible ways in which to curb this activity.     

Comparing the Politics of Hydraulic Fracturing in New York,Colorado, and Texas

The purpose of this article is to analyze perceptions and activities of policy actors, who are actively involved in or knowledgeable about the politics of hydraulic fracturing in New York, Colorado, and Texas. The analysis is guided by research questions drawn from the Advocacy Coalition Framework that focus on policy actors’ policy positions, problem perceptions, political capacity, activities, and interactions. In doing so, we examine the differences between those policy actors who are opposed to hydraulic fracturing relative to those who support hydraulic fracturing across the three states using data from online surveys administered in 2013 and 2014. The results show polarization between opponents and proponents in their policy positions on hydraulic fracturing, which are associated with problem perceptions. Proponents and opponents of hydraulic fracturing also have different capacities, activities, and interactions. The results are similar across states but not without nuanced differences, including greater polarization in New York, higher levels of government support for proponents of hydraulic fracturing in Texas, and more frequent coalition building in Colorado.     

The Russian Far East’s illegal timber trade: an organized crime?

Transnational environmental crime is a global problem encompassing not only criminal violations of the law, but harms against the environment and the people reliant upon it as a natural resource. Grounded in the green criminological theory of eco-global criminology, this paper explores the transnational environmental crime of the illegal timber trade in the Russian Far East unpicking the threats to ecological well-being and the global nature and impacts of this crime. In researching transnational environmental crime, it is crucial to uncover the distinct local and regional variations of the forces at play; for this paper that means analyzing the role of organized crime and corruption in Russia’s timber black market. This information was obtained by using the current literature and interviews with Russian and international experts in order to uncover the role of these actors in the harvesting, smuggling and selling of timber. From this exploration, a structure of the illegal timber trade in this region is proposed including at which points along the black market chain organized crime and/or corruption are involved. Additionally, from an eco-global criminological foundation this paper analyzes the consequences to Russia’s people, its environment and the global community if the illegal timber trade is to continue in its current state.