Traditional structures of crime control in Lagos,Nigeria

Notwithstanding the embrace of modern institutions of social control, traditional social control mechanisms still enjoy patronage in Nigeria. This paper examines the traditional structures of social control in Iraye-Oke, Lagos. In-depth interviews, key informant interviews and case studies were used to obtain data from participants. Findings established the functionality of traditional structures in checking crime and its preference over the use of modern social control structures. Traditional structures used include: traditional spiritualists who provide measures to reduce victimisation; the family courts where adjudication takes place involving elders and family chiefs; and the apex traditional court, presided over by the king, where cases like murder, land disputes, adultery and fornication are decided. Traditional extrajudicial measures involve the invocation of ancestral spirits at shrines.     

A Rejoinder to Peter M. Sales

This analytical article asks the question: to what degree did the media contribute to the Rwandan genocide and what might have been done about it? In examining the historical development of mass media in Rwanda, this paper argues that while hate media clearly contributed to the dynamics that led to genocide, its role should not be overstated. While it is commonly believed that hate media was a major cause of the genocide, instead it was a part of a larger social process. The use of violent discourse was at least as important as, for example, the availability of weapons in carrying out the genocide. Put another way, violent discourse was necessary but not sufficient by itself to cause the genocide of 1994. In arguing this thesis, Rwandan history is examined to demonstrate the processes of communication in the formation of destructive attitudes and behaviour. Next, analysis of the methods and content of propaganda campaigns is discussed. Finally, an overview of the requirements and organizations for third parties to conduct international communication interventions is presented in the last section.     

Unraveling the violence in Kazakhstan

There were several high-profile violent incidents in 2011 in Kazakhstan, including several bombings, shootings that targeted police, and a protest turned clash that resulted in a number of deaths. Some of the perpetrators reportedly had links with radical religious groups. An overlooked aspect of the violence is how it is reported in Kazakhstan. There are active, competent media in Kazakhstan, which are largely unknown in the West. An examination of these incidents using the media in Kazakhstan can provide a unique insight into what took place. While Western sources quickly blamed radical religious groups with international connections, media in Kazakhstan have found that there are other reasons for the violence.     

利用网络动力学评估复杂社会网络知识传播性能

为了对复杂社会网络知识传播性能进行评估,提出了利用复杂网络动力学和知识传播指数相结合的评估模型,该模型综合考虑了网络的拓扑特性、个人的知识普及能力和对知识的感兴趣程度,通过网络知识传播指数阈值的大小来衡量网络的知识传播性能.通过仿真发现,知识在社会网络中的传播对均匀网络平均度值和无标度网络初始传播节点度值的依赖性小,对知识传播指数的依赖性大;在相同条件限制下,无标度社会网络的知识传播性能要高于平均度值相等的均匀社会网络.     

跨文化教育与文化适应

跨文化教育在多民族、多文化并存的环境中突显出一定的优势和吸引力,从文化适应的角度来说,其基本理念和目标能够令受教育者获得不同文化的体验,从而获得对异质文化的理解,达到增加不同文化之间容忍度的目的,而这一目的实现的关键除了跨文化教育的设计和实施之外,还在于学校教育能否转化为社会效应。     

网络舆论战效能评估探析

网络舆论战作为联合作战的重要组成部分,地位作用越来越突出,如何科学评估网络舆论战效能,是当前迫切需要解决的重点难点问题。文章探讨将多智能体建模仿真技术应用于网络舆论战效果评估,建立网络舆论战效能评估指标体系,构建网络舆论战效能评估模型,开发网络舆论战效能评估仿真系统软件,为信息化条件下的网络舆论战教育训练和作战提供辅助决策支持。     

社会保障与社会稳定关联性探析

社会保障制度作为“社会安全阀”,其与社会稳定之间存在正相关关系;但在实践中,由于我国社会保障制度不健全,保障调节功能弱化,又影响了社会稳定,其与社会稳定之间存在负相关关系。因此,必须尽快建立一套完整而切实可行的社会保障制度,以保证社会的稳定与发展。     

恐怖活动中公众心理恐惧效应对社会稳定的影响及对策

恐怖活动往往导致公众的巨大心理恐惧效应,极易造成一定程度甚至是大规模的社会恐慌,严重影响社会稳定。因此,降低公众对恐怖袭击活动的心理恐惧效应、提高其心理承受能力,对恐怖活动发生时维护社会稳定具有重要意义。     

村民自治对农村社会稳定的双面效应

村民自治对农村社会稳定起着正面效应;异化的村民自治对农村社会稳定起着负面效应。鉴于此,为在农村社会发展中实现农村社会稳定,就要不断强化其正面效应,弱化其负面效应。