Positivistic Research on the Social Distance Between the New Generation Nong-min gong and Urban Residents - XU Chuanxin XU Ruolan
XU Chuanxin
Lecturer, School of Humanities and Law, Chengdu University of Technology
XU Ruolan
Professor, Psychological Health Education Center, Chengdu University of Technology
[Abstract] This paper summarizes the author’s 10 years of empirical studies on adolescent idolatrous behaviours in Hong Kong. It argues the adolescent idolatrous behaviours in Hong Kong are characterized by commercialization of celebrity idols, homogeneity of idol types, irrationalization of idolatrous motives, and radicalization of idolatrous behaviours, which lead to what the author defines as the psyche love of idols. To resolve these problems, the author recommends encouraging young people to select different types of admired idols, to identify with different characteristics of these idols, to adopt these idols as role models, and to adopt role models as idols.
Keywords: idol worship; idolatrous behaviours; adolescent; psyche love; Hong Kong
A Breakthrough in Moral Panic: Revisiting the Effects of Pornography on Young People - Day WONG
Day WONG
Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology, Hong Kong Baptist University
[Abstract] This paper aims to address the question of whether pornography is harmful to young people. In the early 1970s, sociologists in the West began to examine society’s concern over youth problems from the perspective of moral panic. It was found that the heightened level of concern over the behaviours of youngsters does not usually reflect the actual nature and scope of the problem. The mass media were shown to be an important player in intensifying and sustaining the anxiety. I will first introduce the theoretical premise of moral panic and discuss how moral panic has functioned in the discussion of pornography in Hong Kong. Based on the findings of a survey entitled “Pornography in the Eyes of the Youth,” I will provide a critical examination of the effects of pornography on young people. I will conclude by making suggestions for a moral-panic-free sex education.
Keywords: pornography; moral panic; sexual myths; sex education
In-School Farm Youth and ICT Usage: A Gender Analysis of Nigeria’s Yoruba Communities - D. O. TORIMIRO O. D. KOLAWOLE V. O. OKORIE
D. O. TORIMIRO
O. D. KOLAWOLE
V. O. OKORIE
Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Sociology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria
[Abstract] A gender analysis of ICT usage among the in-school farm youth in Nigeria’s Yoruba communities was conducted using a pretested interview schedule to elicit information from a random sample of 100 males and 100 females. Frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation were used to describe the data while Pearson correlation and analysis of variance were used to make some deductions. The results showed that the male respondents enjoyed more of the benefits of ICTs while the female respondents experienced more of the constraints associated with ICT usage. There were also significant differences in the male and female respondents’ levels of awareness, perception and usage of ICTs. The paper suggests the need to implement gender-sensitive ICT policies and integrate ICTs into the secondary school curriculum.
Keywords: gender; digital divide; in-school farm youth; ICTs.
Factors Explaining the Academic Lagging Behind of Macao University Students and Suggestions for Improvement - XU Aoao LI Jiazeng
XU Aoao
Rector, Professor, Tutor of Doctorate Student, Macao University of Science and Technology
LI Jiazeng
Professor, Tutor of Doctorate Student, Macao University of Science and Technology
[Abstract] The phenomenon of long-term academic lagging behind has created many problems. The multiple intelligence theory, the emotional intelligence theory, and the theory of creativity development are the basis of solving this problem. According to research on preuniversity students of the Macao University of Science and Technology, most students think the main factors explaining academic lagging behind are having a lower intelligence, a lower emotional quotient, and a lower level of creativity. Thus, we should aim to improve the situation by focusing on raising intelligence and emotional quotients, and developing creativity.
Keywords: academic lagging behind; multiple intelligences; emotional quotient; creativity development
The Learning Experiences of Subdegree Students - CHAN Yiu Man Victor S. K. LEE
CHAN Yiu Man
Research Fellow, School of Continuing and Professional Studies, The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Victor S. K. LEE
Director, School of Continuing and Professional Studies, The Chinese University of Hong Kong
[Abstract] The learning experiences of 442 subdegree students were assessed by using a Study Process Questionnaire and a Learning Experience Questionnaire. This study focused on the differences in gender, social economic status, and age, and their relationship with deep and surface learning. The results, using error bar charts and one-way analysis of variance, revealed statistical differences in gender and family income variables. The results show that boys tend to use both a deep learning approach and a surface learning approach. In addition, high-income families tend to use a deep learning approach to a greater extent than do low-income families. The research supports the notion that more learning resources should be allocated to low-income families in order to improve the quality of their learning under the principle of equal opportunities in education.
Keywords: subdegree students; learning experience
The Impacts of Religious Involvement on Adolescent Health and Behavioural Outcomes: Implications for Local Research in Hong Kong - YEUNG Wai-Keung Jerf CHEUNG Chau-kiu Jacky CHAN Yuk-chung
YEUNG Wai-Keung Jerf
Research Associate and PhD Candidate, Department of Applied Social Sciences, Hong Kong Polytechnic University
CHEUNG Chau-kiu Jacky
Associate Professor, Department of Applied Social Studies, City University of Hong Kong
CHAN Yuk-chung
Associate Professor, Department of Applied Social Studies, City University of Hong Kong
[Abstract] Over the past two decades, increasing evidence, both cross-sectional and longitudinal, has shown that religious involvement is associated with better physical and mental health and longer survival in various populations. Nevertheless, a substantial but still insufficient number of studies has evidenced religious involvement as a salient factor influencing the cognitions, emotions, attitudes and behaviours of young people in ways that are commonly viewed as constructive and beneficial. However, most of these studies were conducted in the West, especially in the United States. Local youth studies still have not engaged in this endeavour seriously. In view of this, the aim of this article is to provide a review of the relevant studies conducted in the West, addressing the relationship between youth religious involvement and health and behavioural outcomes, including mental and psychological health, positive behaviours, schooling and prosocial participation. It also presents theoretical implications of this relationship for local research.
Keywords: religious involvement; youth; health and behavioural outcomes; theoretical implications