Advances in Sociology Research. Volume 29

Advances in Sociology Research. Volume 29 first presents a critical review of the major theoretical approaches to the study of voluntary homicide. One such group of theories refers to the so-called structural perspective, which argues that the killing of one person by another must be interpreted in the broader context of the social structure. Another group of theories refers to culture whereas some people engage in homicides mainly because they hold facilitative attitudes or values transmitted by their subcultures. Lastly, the chapter devotes space to the theories referring to the symbolic interactionist approach, which emphasizes the importance of the interaction between the perpetrator and victim of homicides. Next, the first research findings of the EU funded project Local Alliance for Integration in the field of healthcare and social care at a national level are presented, drawing upon the empirical findings of one focus group with local stakeholders in the field of healthcare and social care. Additionally, cyberbullying through social media among youth is examined through multidisciplinary qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-design research methodologies from psychology, sociology, social work, and criminology. The authors describe a project set up in East London that assessed the use of music technology as one of the primary tools in an extra-curricular music programmes, and outline its primary findings with specific reference to its potential effect on children’s social behaviours. Online risks children may encounter are examined, including content risk such as online video games and contact risk related to sexting and sexual solicitation. The importance of awareness and education is emphasised along with future directions to ensure children are protected while participating in the online space. The penultimate chapter looks at how the greater part of female models are being shown in agreeable, subordinate and sexualized ways using nude, half-clad appearances of men and women. The unrealistic image portrayals in these advertisements could be inherently dangerous. The closing article discusses dilemmas of understanding the individual, presented through a scene from Monty Python’s Life of Brian. The speech which Brian delivers to his assembled followers and the reactions to it display typical conceptual problems arising in both the Enlightenment’s “ideology of individualism“ and its arguable follow-up, the Romantic favoring of “individuality.”