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Dominating the discourse on the nature of press-state relations is the use of a "model" paradigm that seeks to subsume all of the nuanced dimensions of press behavior into concise models of the press. These models tend to operate on a single dimension used to capture the degree of oppositional (or subservient) behavior, leading to the formation of simplistic interpretations. In order to highlight the nuances of press-state relations, this study draws comparisons between two relatively similar press systems by isolating the conditions associated with aggressive (or subservient) journalism. Data were drawn from US presidential and UK prime minister news conferences from 2002 -2009 which identified features of aggressive questioning. Results showed that, at the individual level, neither the US nor the UK were closely attuned to a particular model of press behavior, and that, when comparing the two press systems, US journalists are systematically more aggressive than UK journalists, while UK journalists are more responsive to prevailing social conditions. I conclude by discussing the theoretical implications of my findings, which serve to diminish the utility of the "model" approach to media studies, while also suggesting that, due to the changing structure of communications, the ways in which the press respond to public interests may be shifting in a new direction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the salience of Thorstein Veblen's landmark book The Theory of the Leisure Class. While recent scholarship on his work has led many to marginalize it, I contend that the arguments against his work are unfounded. Drawing on both theoretical and empirical data, I demonstrate that Veblen's theory of the leisure class is both salient and essential to our understanding of modern consumer culture and practices. Because many of the concepts and theories about consumer culture, such as Bauman's conception of 'neotribes', have their roots in Veblen's seminal work we must revisit Veblen's thesis, for it will yield fresh insights. ..PAT.-Unpublished Manuscript [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In light of stagnating wages and rising cost of living, we examine one middle-class coping strategy: a new 'shadow economy' (garage sales and secondhand and thrift stores). While part of the mainstream economy, these outlets have three important differences. They are tax-exempt, inexpensive, and more focused on interpersonal interaction than economic concerns (Herrmann 1984). This allows the middle class to meet housing and medical needs while maintaining their way of life. Using data collected from Utah Valley, Utah (n=595), we explore the relationship between social class and consumption/donation patterns. We find that what one shops for depends largely on social class. Those at the top of the continuum purchase trinkets and antiques at these outlets, while those on the bottom buy clothes and other essentials. Those in the middle tend to buy electronics and appliances at these stores, enabling them to maintain the middle-class appearance. As housing and medical costs continue to soar in the years ahead, these types of stores may play a pivotal role in class mobility and reproduction. ..PAT.-Unpublished Manuscript [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Union formation among young adults has changed drastically over the past few decades. This paper provides an overview of the changes in union formation pathways for American young adults with an emphasis upon multiple cohabitation relationships. Using data from the NLSY97, young adults are tracked from 12-16 years of age till 24-28 years, which encompasses the prime union formation years. Approximately 60% of first coresidential relationships were a cohabitation relationship, over a half of which would end in dissolution (with approximately equal numbers having married and that are still cohabiting.. It is found that of those who dissolve their first cohabitation relationship, just under two-thirds will enter a second cohabitation. This paper includes the identity of the partners and finds around a third of the second cohabitation relationships were started with the same partner from the first. This paper also examines the variations in pathways by education levels and race. By including both higher order relationships and information on partner identity, a nuanced and complex picture of union formation emerges. By emphasizing the numerous union formation pathways young adults can take, this paper urges family researchers to care when using summary measures of cohabitation, as this can omit vital nuances in the pathways taken by young adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]