Kathy Walker – författare

This book questions whether technologies are the rational, tangible, scientific, forward-thinking, neutral objects they are so often perceived to be, exploring instead how powerful, mythic ideas about technologies drive our social understanding and our expectations of them. Against a rising tide of information, we encounter significant technological, scientific, and medical advances which promise to create an educated, humane, and equal world. This book explores that promise, deconstructing technologies to conclude that though they do afford us significant and empowering advances, they remain largely cloaked in mystery, and often promise more than they can deliver. Contributors from diverse intellectual backgrounds and political and epistemological stances – spanning sociology and psychosocial investigations, innovation studies, and scientists – combine philosophical inquiry and empirical case studies to create a book which is at once provocative, innovative, and exciting in the challenges it poses.

Over the last 250 years, the global capitalist system has been responsible for rapid economic growth and technological change. The consequent increase in production of an ever-changing and expanding range of products and services has lifted hundreds of millions of people out of poverty and deprivation.This book suggests, however, that the primary purpose of current production and distribution is not to satisfy human needs but to create profit for the owners of capital that in turn has devastating consequences for the environment and for vulnerable people.Multidisciplinary in perspective, contributors to this volume addresses issues of inequality which affect both developed and developing countries. While they are concerned with the framework of income distribution they also explore the wider dynamics of capitalist systems of production and consumption and examine the dimensions of inequality from both an economic and socio/cultural perspective.The book has three key themes: relations between technologies, inequalities and exploitation; issues surrounding technologies and development; and the nature of technologies and their associated opportunities in the face of the future. That future is contested, and in the present context of persistent inequalities, a debate about where we might be going and how we might get there is crucial. This book makes a trenchant and challenging contribution to this debate.

Over the last 250 years, the global capitalist system has been responsible for rapid economic growth and technological change. The consequent increase in production of an ever-changing and expanding range of products and services has lifted hundreds of millions of people out of poverty and deprivation.This book suggests, however, that the primary purpose of current production and distribution is not to satisfy human needs but to create profit for the owners of capital that in turn has devastating consequences for the environment and for vulnerable people.Multidisciplinary in perspective, contributors to this volume addresses issues of inequality which affect both developed and developing countries. While they are concerned with the framework of income distribution they also explore the wider dynamics of capitalist systems of production and consumption and examine the dimensions of inequality from both an economic and socio/cultural perspective.The book has three key themes: relations between technologies, inequalities and exploitation; issues surrounding technologies and development; and the nature of technologies and their associated opportunities in the face of the future. That future is contested, and in the present context of persistent inequalities, a debate about where we might be going and how we might get there is crucial. This book makes a trenchant and challenging contribution to this debate.

Does your child have trouble settling at bedtime? Refuse to sit at the table for meals? Ignore you or argue when you say it''s time to turn off the TV?Expert parenting and educational consultant Kathy Walker recognises that being a parent is one of the most rewarding jobs you will ever do but that it isn''t always easy. In this book she shows you how to create a calmer, more nurturing home environment for you and your children, and gives you her top strategies for managing challenging behaviour.She helps you to understand your parenting style, and the reasons behind your child''s behaviour, and gives insightful tips on: • setting up and maintaining routines• promoting self-esteem and resilience• communicating with your childUsing case studies and concrete examples, Kathy offers advice on handling everyday family situations such as constant fighting between siblings and hassling for the latest gadgets / a new pet / more pocket money, as well as challenges related to school, friendships and separated or blended families.Down-to-earth and reassuring, this is the must-have guidebook for all Australian parents of preschool and school-age children.

Starting school for the first time is a significant milestone in every child''s life.  But how do you know when your child is ready?  And what can you do to help them prepare?Educational and parenting expert Kathy Walker explains how to assess your child''s readiness, sets out all the factors to consider, and gives you the information you need to be confident you''re making the right decision for your child.  She also provides advice on how to pick a school, and explains the strategies schools use to familiarise children – and their parents – with school.An essential guide for parents of preschoolers, Ready, Set, Go? will help you give your child the best possible start to their education.

Life is full of highs and lows and as our children grow up you can''t always be there to help them navigate their emotions or situations.  This book tells parents, in very practical terms, what you can do from birth to twelve to ensure your children have their best chance at coping with life. We are so intensely involved in keeping our children happy in the present that we don''t consider what this means for their emotional state in the future.  Teens and young adults are especially vulnerable to peer pressure and mental health issues, but you can give your children the tools to prepare them for independent, safe, happy teenage years and beyond.  Learn how important it is to establish boundaries, discipline and good role models so that children can develop the necessary qualities to deal with whatever comes their way. It''s all about guiding your children to: make good decisions forge good relationships respect other people have good communication skills develop self-discipline and motivation and develop resilience and emotional intelligence. With these essential life skills in their toolbox, your children will grow up to be just fine!