Niklas Luhmann’s Theory of the Mass Media

In this paper, we critically examine and contextualize Niklas Luhmann’s analysis of the modern mass media. Aside from features of the political economy of the day, the motor that nourishes and sustains the alleged trajectory of modern societies toward ”mass societies“ is, in the eyes of many observers, the growing significance of the media, increasingly accessible and within the reach of virtually all of the public, a view shared by the Frankfurt School and Luhmann’s systems theory.     

What about non-diffusion? The effect of competitiveness in policy-comparative diffusion research

Many scholars have convincingly shown that policies diffuse between national and sub-national entities for several different reasons. Although diffusion processes are empirically proven, we witness two shortcomings in the discussion: First, there is a lack of comparative research across policy areas. Second, the question of why diffusion might not occur in a certain domain is under-theorized and lacks an empirical test. By comparing the rationale behind diffusion processes in two policy domains??energy policy and locational policy??this paper shows that two aspects matter for diffusion processes: First is the observability of policy measures, that is, how easily things can be observed by others; second is the competitiveness of the policy domain. If policy measures can be hidden easily and the policy domain is highly competitive, policy diffusion is very unlikely to happen. Therefore, we seek the integration of these two aspects in prospective diffusion research.     

A Missionary Burden or Enlighthened Self-Interest? International Law in Dutch Foreign Policy

Netherlands International Law Review -     

Injustice and Employees' Destructive Responses: The Mediating Role of State Negative Affect

The focus of this study was employees' destructive behavioral intentions (i.e., exit, neglect, and aggressive voice) as a result of perceived injustice. In order to get an indication of the generalizability of the results, two studies employing different methodologies were conducted among different samples: a survey study (Study 1) among 244 female maternity nurses from The Netherlands, and a vignette study (Study 2) among 71 male and 43 female employees from an international company in South Africa. Furthermore, the second study tested whether the effects of injustice on destructive behavioral intentions were mediated by state negative affect. Two models appear to fit the data well. The first model suggests that interactional injustice gives rise to negative behavioral reactions through an increase in state negative affect. The second model shows that procedural justice can buffer the negative effects of low distributive justice. Specifically, employees report more negative affect and, subsequently, a stronger tendency to leave the organization only when both distributive and procedural justice are low. The theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed.     

The Moralization of the Markets in Europe

Nothing effects modern society more than the decisions made in the market place, especially (but not only) the judgments of consumers. The designation of market relations in modern societies as the “moralization of the markets” represents a novel stage in the social evolution of markets. Market theories still widely in use today emerged in a society that no longer exists. Today, growing affluence, greater knowledge, and hi-speed communication among consumers builds into the marketplace notions of fairness, solidarity, environment, health, and political considerations imbued with a long-term perspective that can disrupt short-term pursuits of the best buy. Importantly, such social goals, individual apprehensions, and models of consumer conduct become inscribed in products and services offered in the marketplace, as well as in the rules and regulations that govern market relations.

Social comparison,equality, and relationship satisfaction: Gender differences over a ten-year period

The central questions in the present study are (i) when comparing themselves with the partner, to what extent do women feel more deprived than men in their relationship with regard to relational inputs and life outcomes; (ii) do these perceptions affect relationship satisfaction among men and women in similar ways; (iii) have these patterns changed in the period 1977–1987; (iv) to what degree do comparisons with the same-sex others affect relationship satisfaction? Three studies were conducted in samples that were all heterogeneous with regard to age, length of the relationship, and educational level. Study 1, conducted in 1977, indicated that, compared to their partner, women felt more deprived and men more advantaged with respect to relational inputs and life outcomes. Further, being deprived and advantaged compared to the partner was accompanied with less satisfaction than being equal, whereas being advantaged was more satisfying than being deprived. However, being advantaged with regard to life outcomes was less rewarding for women than for men. Study 2, a replication of Study 1, 10 years later, indicated that this pattern had not changed over the years. In Study 3 it appeared that comparisons with same-sex others have a strong influence on relationship satisfaction. In general, most people consider themselves as better off than others, and the better off they feel in comparison to others, the more satisfied they are with their relationship. This seems to apply more to men than to women.     

Editorial

International Environmental Agreements: Politics, Law and Economics -