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Subject: search.filters.subject.441015 Sociology of the life course

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    On LIFE within the Society-of-Captives : exploring the pains of imprisonment for real : a thesis presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology at Massey University, Manawatū, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2024-12-12) Luff, Daniel John
    Institutional and social discourse upholds the prison as an effective rehabilitative solution to crime, but more recently there has been increasing criticism of the prison as a producer of harm rather than healing. Despite such criticism, discussions of the rehabilitative potentials of prisons predominantly exclude and silence insider, incarcerate voices in criminal justice debates and literature, and often do not describe what those ‘inside’, like me, are living and experiencing. The primary aim of this project is to theorise twenty years of lived experience of incarceration in the hope of contributing to the work being done to problematise risk-averse, harmful correctional practices. Through a deeply reflexive autoethnographic performance, the reader comes with me beyond prison walls, into the largely closed off, inaccessible world within. Through navigation of my lived experience of imprisonment, I reflexively theorise memories of incarceration that are usually only speculated upon through objective, exclusionary research. The account that emerges from theorising incarceration ‘for real’ analyses the constraints of political narratives and risk averse policy and practice produced within our prison system, and within the bodies that system contains. Through an interweave of autoethnographic field noting, performance and analysis, the research unpacks the connections between the structural, socio-political issues, and the pains of incarceration. Using Arrigo’s Society of Captives (SOC) thesis, the harms being produced are theorised with regard to subjectivities constituted through prison – the prisoner, their guard, and society at large. Theoretical storying shows how socio-political issues are having considerably detrimental impacts on correctional policy and practice. Prisoners are neither seen nor heard, and their keepers too are held captive, unable to engage with their charges ethically lest they be reprimanded for doing corrections differently. Through this multi-layered harm, a society of captives is being perpetuated within which the very harm and risk it proclaims to alleviate is reproduced. Embedded in a pursuit of social justice, I argue for a relational, ethical praxis wherein people are seen, and heard, for real. The change is not only theorised but rare instances of it, and the healing power it produces, demonstrated. Through autoethnography’s theoretical praxis, and embracing of the SOC thesis’ pursuit of becoming, my research also involves considerable personal movement. It illustrates how, through the utilisation of autoethnographic methodology, in particular reflexive process, it becomes possible to ethically resist harmful representations and risk-focused correctional practices. In making these movements the research brings us out of prison, and provides in-depth consideration of my bodily attempts to reintegrate into the community after two decades of largely harmful carceral experiences. In these, the narrative contributes to a growing consciousness, global debate, and movement regarding prison, rehabilitation, and how community safety is best served. And it contributes to a process of becoming within me, a bodily movement, a transition into a place where humanness can be done differently…
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    The menopausal self : identity construction and gender norms in menopause apps : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Psychology at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2024) White, Phoebe Rose
    This thesis explored the portrayal of women, their symptoms, and experiences within menopause apps (applications, especially as downloaded by a user to a mobile device), focusing on the ideologies, perspectives, and gender norms these digital tools reinforce. Using social constructionism and Foucauldian discourse analysis, the study aimed to reveal dominant constructions of women through menopause. The primary research questions were: (1) How did menopause apps depict women's identities, symptoms, and experiences, aligning with societal norms and stereotypes surrounding menopause and femininity? (2) How did women engaging in community discussions within the apps contribute to discourses surrounding menopause? The analysis revealed that menopause apps often promoted neoliberal and post-feminist discourses, emphasising individual responsibility and empowerment, while overlooking systemic and structural factors impacting health outcomes. These apps frequently constructed menopause as a series of medical problems requiring professional intervention, perpetuating medical discourse and reinforcing traditional power dynamics between healthcare providers and patients. However, community discussion sections fostered empowerment and collaboration, encouraging women to share experiences and support each other, though this sometimes obscured the need for broader structural changes. This study highlighted the social construction of menopause within these apps, emphasising certain narratives while potentially ignoring others. It underscored the importance of critically engaging with the information provided and recognising the underlying power dynamics and biases that shape users' perceptions and behaviours. The research had limitations, including a focus on a selected sample of menopause apps and the interpretive nature of the analysis. Future research should explore a broader range of apps, incorporate diverse cultural and societal contexts, and investigate the long-term impact of using menopause apps on women's health and well-being. In conclusion, while menopause apps offered valuable support and resources, they also perpetuated specific discourses influencing users' perceptions and behaviours. By critically engaging with these apps and recognising underlying power dynamics and biases, women could navigate their menopause journey with a more informed and empowered perspective. This thesis contributed to understanding women's identity construction and health in the context of menopause apps, highlighting the need for a more supportive and equitable digital health environment for women.