Jay Rowell – författare

The study of the European Union has historically been a theoretical battleground. Since the 1990s, new theoretical directions such as neo-institutionalism, multi-level governance and constructivism have provided a new impetus. However, despite these new inroads, empirical work has often remained sociologically and empirically underspecified. This volume seeks to bridge the gap between theory and fieldwork by developing an actor-centred political sociology. In doing so, the volume engages in a critical dialogue with the constructivist framework and proposes to build on its insights through a sociological hardening centred on European actors.The renewal of European studies through political sociology is only useful if it generates new understandings through empirical observation. This volume seeks to take a new tack on constructivism by asking what it is that Europe constructs by looking at three areas- social spaces and professions, policy 'problems' and policies and policy instruments such as the Eurobarometer.

The study of the European Union has historically been a theoretical battleground. Since the 1990s, new theoretical directions such as neo-institutionalism, multi-level governance and constructivism have provided a new impetus. However, despite these new inroads, empirical work has often remained sociologically and empirically underspecified. This volume seeks to bridge the gap between theory and fieldwork by developing an actor-centred political sociology. In doing so, the volume engages in a critical dialogue with the constructivist framework and proposes to build on its insights through a sociological hardening centred on European actors.The renewal of European studies through political sociology is only useful if it generates new understandings through empirical observation. This volume seeks to take a new tack on constructivism by asking what it is that Europe constructs by looking at three areas- social spaces and professions, policy 'problems' and policies and policy instruments such as the Eurobarometer.

Refugee children have often experienced great disruption, violence and fear. They have frequently lost members of their family and may even have witnessed their deaths. They have left everything that is familiar and found themselves deposited in a completely different, strange and sometimes frightening environment.

Following the publication of New in Our Nation, a resource for older students, this book has been written to provide a similar resource for younger pupils. It offers the adult who supports these pupils a sensitive, honest and practical programme. This is a good balance between affective and skills based activities and, whilst recognising the uncertainty they face, the six sessions all provide a positive focus for the children and their families.

The programme includes:

"who we are

"important things to me

"similarities and differences

"what is it like to be different?

"my shield of strength.

The resource includes copiable material for participants personal files, and posters for display.