Research Essays: An Introduction and Invitation

In this article, we offer an approach to conceiving of the relation between literacy practices and space–time. Literacy, embedded in other forms of activity, has a unique role in producing and organizing space–time relations, and such relations provide for different forms of cognition and learning. Closely examining how literacy practices produce and organize space–time helps researchers move beyond folk distinctions based on setting or context, such as "in school," versus "out of school," which necessarily associate different settings with different practices. Drawing on actor network theory, we propose a new way of reconceiving of literacy and its relations to space–time through the construct of the literacy network. We define and develop 5 space–time dimensions of literacy networks, including translation, the heterogeneity of space–time representations, movements and positions of texts in circulation, rhythms and speeds of circulation, and network continuity. Drawing on these dimensions, we analyze 3 different literacy networks that 1 youth, Brian, participates in, including 2 from school classrooms and 1 from his play of a massively multiplayer online game. We argue that the space–time dimensions of these networks have direct relevance to understanding Brian's engagement, agency, and identity.     

和平研究引论

和平包括消极和平与积极和平.和平学是识别和分析暴力、非暴力行为以及治理人类冲突的方法机制的一门学科,其研究范围包括战争与和平,也包括正义、发展、人权、生态环境.和平学的主要目标是探求用和平的方式实现和平,而和平教育则是其中的一项重要内容.     

Credentialing Ethics Consultants: An Invitation to Collaboration

Opinion about neonatal male circumcision is deeply divided. Some take it to be a prophylactic measure with unequivocal and significant health benefits, while others consider it a form of child abuse. We argue against both these polar views. In doing so, we discuss whether circumcision constitutes bodily mutilation, whether the absence of the child's informed consent makes it wrong, the nature and strength of the evidence regarding medical harms and benefits, and what moral weight cultural considerations have. We conclude that nontherapeutic circumcision of infant boys is a suitable matter for parental discretion.     

Values in Family Therapy Practice and Research: An Invitation for Reflection

Values have been shown to be a pervasive part of both marriage and family therapy (MFT) clinical practice and research. Yet, many therapists and researchers remain unclear about how values affect their work. This article examines the influence of Western philosophical assumptions and therapy traditions in light of current understandings of values in therapy. The influence of values in MFT research processes is similarly examined. Implications for how family therapy professionals can be more reflective and sophisticated in their understanding of values in clinical practice and scientific inquiry are discussed. Suggestions for addressing values in MFT training also are given.     

Hypothesizing, Circularity, and Neutrality Revisited: An Invitation to Curiosity

This essay examines the systemic guiding principles of neutrality, hypothesizing, and circularity, historically developed by the Milan Team of Selvini-Palazzoli, Boscolo, Cecchin, and Prata (12, 13). With the reorganization of these team members (see 11 for a summary of the distinctions between the work of the Selvini-Palazzoli and Prata research team and the Cecchin and Boscolo training team), different reconstructions of the original systemic principles have evolved. New understanding of the concepts of circularity, hypothesizing, and neutrality are now possible, given the systemic epistemology on which the early Milan model was based. It should be emphasized, however, that the ideas presented in this essay are most associated with the systemic work of the Cecchin and Boscolo team.     

Postmodern Masculinities and the Eunuch

This research examines the recent rise of the eunuch within several sociological contexts. The contention of this article is that present images of masculine sexuality have inadvertently made the effigy of the eunuch more permissible, albeit, unstated. In addition, as a form of sexual deviance, this practice relies on both individual pathologies and communities for membership. Recent technological advances in the computer industry have simplified access to like-minded individuals fostering fellowship. Using both primary and secondary sources of data, individual motivations to becoming a eunuch are examined.     

Embodiment: An Introduction

Theoretical Medicine and Bioethics -